1. Monroe Work’s reports on lynching
Using an excerpt from his biography, analyze more of the story about how Mr. Work’s documentation became the most trusted source in the country. Read excerpt
Length: 3 pages
Common Core: Grades 9-10, 11-12
Grade 9-10
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.9-10.1
Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.9-10.3
Analyze how the author unfolds an analysis or series of ideas or events, including the order in which the points are made, how they are introduced and developed, and the connections that are drawn between them.
Grade 11-12
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.11-12.1
Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text, including determining where the text leaves matters uncertain.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.11-12.3
Analyze a complex set of ideas or sequence of events and explain how specific individuals, ideas, or events interact and develop over the course of the text.
2. Interview with Ms. Jessie Guzman
Ms. Guzman was a research assistant to Monroe Work back in 1923, and later took on the position herself as the Director of Records and Research. In this interview from 1986, she explains more about the data collection that went on in Mr. Work’s office. Read interview
Length: 5 pages
3. How is lynching used in today’s discourse?
Paying attention to the news, it seems that many people today still suggest the idea of lynching, or joke about it. Analyze one of eight incidents in 2016–2018 to determine how history is being invoked: Assign this group activity
Small-groups & discussion: 30 min
Common Core: Grades 9-10, 11-12
Grade 9-10
ELA-LITERACY.WHST.9-10.9
Draw evidence from informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.
ELA-LITERACY.RH.9-10.3
Analyze in detail a series of events described in a text; determine whether earlier events caused later ones or simply preceded them.
ELA-LITERACY.SL.9-10.1
Initiate and participate effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grades 9-10 topics, texts, and issues, building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly and persuasively.
ELA-LITERACY.SL.9-10.1.C
Propel conversations by posing and responding to questions that relate the current discussion to broader themes or larger ideas; actively incorporate others into the discussion; and clarify, verify, or challenge ideas and conclusions.
Grade 11-12
ELA-LITERACY.WHST.11-12.9
Draw evidence from informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.
ELA-LITERACY.RH.11-12.3
Evaluate various explanations for actions or events and determine which explanation best accords with textual evidence, acknowledging where the text leaves matters uncertain.
ELA-LITERACY.SL.11-12.1
Initiate and participate effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grades 11-12 topics, texts, and issues, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly and persuasively.
ELA-LITERACY.SL.11-12.1.C
Propel conversations by posing and responding to questions that probe reasoning and evidence; ensure a hearing for a full range of positions on a topic or issue; clarify, verify, or challenge ideas and conclusions; and promote divergent and creative perspectives.
4. Reflection on the modern lynching of Ahmaud Arbery
Professors Tolnay and Beck wrote a landmark study of Southern lynchings back in 1995. Here they reflect on the news from February 2020, in which a young Black man was murdered in Georgia by three white men. The circumstances are exactly the same as many lynchings from the 1920s. Read and respond
Length: 3 paragraphs
5. Printable maps for class handouts
The map of lynchings is simplified and formatted to print better on an 11 x 17" page. These are available on the downloads page.
ATTRIBUTIONS ON THIS PAGE:
Photo at top: students at Tuskegee Institute, 1942, by Arthur Rothstein. This image in the public domain from the collection of U.S. Farm Security Administration/Office of War Information Black & White Photographs at the Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division (LC-USW3- 000237-D [P&P] LOT 30).
This photo was retouched for artistic effect.
