We began watching the documentary "Lift Ev'ry Voice" in class today, which is about Portland's history with the African-American community. One key section is about the building of the Memorial Coliseum and Moda Center. Photo taken in 2009.
Dear class,
As we start to wind down new content in DSJ, we wanted to be sure to leave students with a better understanding of how race has played a role in the history of Portland and Oregon. Here's what happened in class today:
As we start to wind down new content in DSJ, we wanted to be sure to leave students with a better understanding of how race has played a role in the history of Portland and Oregon. Here's what happened in class today:
Learning Targets Addressed:
I can communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
I can apply understanding of ideas and concepts to a new context or problem.
I can demonstrate an understanding of the role of governments in current issues.
I can effectively conduct and apply research.
Soundtrack: "Coming Home" by Mat Kearney. Selected for today because it is a song about Oregon. Lyrics here.
Check-In/Review Agreements
What Can I Do Today?
Race in Oregon
Lift Ev'ry Voice
Final Project
Homework: Read the blog! Continue working on your final project!Lift Ev'ry Voice
Final Project
--
Check In/Review Agreements: At the beginning of class, we went over the Courageous Conversations Agreements, as always, to begin our work together for the day. After checking in, we talked for a bit about what is happening in the world outside of class, before moving on.
What Can I Do Today?: We also asked students if there was anything they wanted to add to the "What Can I Do Today?" poster up at the front of the room, in terms of actions outside of class. We also noted that the list is live on the blog here on the upper right corner, with links!
Race in Oregon: As we tried to point out today, there is a LOT of history in our own community of racism, that I think students do not typically know about. But, there is a reason that Portland is one of the whitest major cities in the United States. A few links for curious students to check out:
Ms. Labossiere also wanted to be sure that we talked about the laws that prevented people of color from owning property in places like Lake Oswego and throughout Oregon. Here is an example:
We also watched the first 4 minutes or so of this video, to help set the stage for the main documentary we wanted to show in class:
Lift Ev'ry Voice: For the rest of class, we started watching this excellent documentary from OPB about the history regarding race in Portland (specifically about the African-American community):
We stopped today at 58:30 into the film and will finish it next class. If you were not in class today, please watch up until this point over the weekend.
Final Project: As a reminder, here is the final assignment:
Please continue working on this outside of class. See you next week, when we will finish the documentary and discuss on Tuesday, then your final is on Thursday!
Please continue working on this outside of class. See you next week, when we will finish the documentary and discuss on Tuesday, then your final is on Thursday!
