Lesson 2: Day 5 - Extraordinary Ordinary People
Google Doc of This Lesson
Activity 1: Read Aloud
Overview: In this read-aloud, students will read an excerpt from the Introduction of A Fragile Freedom: African American Women and Emancipation in the Antebellum City (Dunbar, 2008) to explore the world of Black women in 19th Century Philadelphia.
Time: 10 minutes
Format: Whole Group
Objective: SWBAT
Project A Fragile Freedom: African American Women and Emancipation in the Antebellum City (Dunbar, 2008)
Read p. 1-5 (ending after the second paragraph) aloud as a class, inviting student volunteers to take turns reading.
Pause occasionally to ask clarifying questions or highlight key themes that connect back to what students have been learning about so far.
Invite students to share one takeaway with a partner.
Partner #1 should spend about 90 seconds sharing.
Invite students to switch so Partner #2 can share their takeaway.
Activity 2: Her Stories
Overview: In this collaborative reading activity, students will work in expert groups to explore different historical texts highlighting the role of Black women in 19th-century Philadelphia. Through peer-to-peer exchange, students will piece together a snapshot of Black women during this pivotal era.
Time: 25 minutes
Format: Individual/ Small Groups
Objective: SWBAT investigate the diverse roles and strategies of Black women in 19th-century Philadelphia by engaging with multiple texts and exchanging insights in collaborative groups.
Assign students to numbers one through four
Tell students that based on the number they were assigned, they will read one of the articles below, focusing on one specific figure:
Henrietta Duterte Henrietta Duterte and dealing with Grief; a Memorial Day reflection
Meet Nancy Dematress Meet Nancy Dematress
Helen Appo Johnson and Helen Appo Cook Exploring the Legacy of the Appo Family: A Century of Black Metropolis Excellence (Diaz 2024)
Give students 10 minutes to read their assigned article and take notes while they read.
Show them the Her Stories document where they can take notes.
Invite students to make their own copies: Her Stories- Make a Copy
Tell students that they will now work with others to share their findings.
Invite 1s to partner with 2s
Invite 3s to partner with 4s
Give groups 5 minutes to share out with a partner.
Next, invite students to switch as follows:
Ask 1s to partner with 4s
Ask 2s to partner with 3s
Activity 3: Her Stories - Journal
Overview: In this closing reflection activity, students will synthesize their learning from the day by journaling about the historical figures they studied and discussed. This writing time allows students to engage in personal reflection and consider the relevance of 19th-century Black women’s leadership in both historical and contemporary contexts.
Time: 10 minutes
Format: Individual
Objective: SWBAT reflect on the significance of Black women’s resistance and leadership in 19th-century Philadelphia by connecting historical insights to broader themes of courage, community, and justice through personal writing.
Project and read the journal prompt aloud to the class.
Journal Prompt: After reading and discussing the lives of Black women in 18th-19th-century Philadelphia, reflect on the story or person that stayed with you the most.
What did their work teach you about courage, community, or resistance—and why does their story matter today?
What connections do you see between their work and how people organize or lead today?
Give students 10 minutes of uninterrupted writing time to respond thoughtfully in their journals or on lined paper.