The Letter from the Birmingham Jail (6-8)

From the 1980s to the present, Black America’s fight against oppression has increasingly connected with global struggles for justice and equity. During this period, African Americans continued to confront systemic racism, economic inequality, and political disenfranchisement while drawing parallels with liberation movements worldwide. The rise of hip-hop culture became a powerful vehicle for expressing these struggles, amplifying themes of resistance, identity, and social critique on a global stage. African American activists and artists engaged in conversations about shared experiences of colonialism, apartheid, and systemic injustice, linking their fight to struggles in South Africa, Latin America, and beyond. The 1990s saw renewed calls for racial justice in the United States amid issues like police brutality and economic disparity, while global networks of activism expanded through advances in communication and media. Events such as the Rodney King beating in 1991 and the subsequent uprising in Los Angeles highlighted deep-rooted tensions and the need for systemic change. Moving into the 21st century, movements like Black Lives Matter emerged as a response to ongoing racial violence, connecting local injustices to global human rights struggles and sparking solidarity movements worldwide. Through art, activism, and cultural exchange, African Americans have forged connections with oppressed communities across the globe, inspiring shared visions for liberation and justice. These efforts have positioned Black America as both a symbol and an active participant in broader movements for equality, freedom, and dignity. From the 1980s to today, the fight against oppression reflects a growing recognition of the interconnected nature of struggles for justice, transcending borders and inspiring collective action worldwide.

This unit explores the interconnectedness of African American struggles for justice with global movements against oppression, highlighting how Black Americans have been at the forefront of both domestic and international fights for freedom. Students examine contemporary initiatives such as Colin Kaepernick’s “Know Your Rights” campaign, which advocates for justice and empowerment in the face of systemic inequities. The unit also celebrates African American cultural traditions, including the significance of Juneteenth, as symbols of resistance and resilience. Through the study of Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy, learners connect the Civil Rights Movement to global liberation efforts, such as the anti-apartheid struggle in South Africa. Activities include analyzing speeches, examining cultural practices, and discussing the role of African American activists in shaping global human rights discourses. Students critically engage with themes of solidarity, cultural preservation, and activism, exploring how African Americans have influenced and been influenced by global struggles. By drawing connections between historical and modern movements, learners understand the global impact of Black activism and cultural leadership. This unit encourages students to see themselves as part of a broader fight for justice and to recognize the power of solidarity in addressing systemic oppression worldwide. By the end, students gain a comprehensive understanding of how African Americans have continuously contributed to the global fight for equity and freedom.

NJ Student Learning Standards

• 6.1.4.A.10 Describe how the actions of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and other civil rights leaders served as catalysts for social change and inspired social activism in subsequent generations.
• 6.1.8.A.3.a Examine the ideals found in the Declaration of Independence, and assess the extent to which they were fulfilled for women, African Americans, and Native Americans during this time period.
• 6.1.8.A.3.b Evaluate the effectiveness of the fundamental principles of the Constitution (i.e., consent of the governed, rule of law, federalism, limited government, separation of powers, checks and balances, and individual rights) in establishing a federal government that allows for growth and change over time.
•  6.1.12.D.13.b Compare and contrast the leadership and ideology of Martin Luther King, Jr., and Malcolm X during the Civil Rights Movement, and evaluate their legacies.