Lesson 4: Day 1 -  Labor Organizations

Google Doc for This Lesson

Activity 1: Read Aloud

Overview: In this discussion, students will deepen their understanding of the Africana Studies Conceptual Framework by exploring the “Ways of Knowing/Systems of Thought” category. They will predict how Black Philadelphians in the 19th century developed organizations and systems to meet the fundamental needs of their community. 

Time: 10 minutes

Format: Whole Group

Objective: SWBAT analyze how 19th century Black Philadelphians developed systems of thought and community organizations to address collective needs, using the Africana Studies Conceptual Framework as a lens.

• Tell students that you will continue to use the Africana Studies Conceptual Framework (Carr, 2005; Carr, 2024; Carr, 2025) to examine the experiences of people of African descent in 19th Century Philadelphia. 

• Lead students in a discussion by saying the following:

• • The third category in the Africana Studies Conceptual Framework is “Ways of Knowing/ Systems of Thought” and asks us to consider the following question:

  • • “What kinds of systems did African peoples develop to explain their existence and how did they use those systems to address fundamental issues of living?” 

  • As we read together, consider how Black people in 19th Century Philadelphia created organizations to address the needs of their community. 

• Then, project and read the article aloud. 

• Ask students to predict some of the needs of 19th Century Black Philadelphians.

Activity 2: Black Labor Organizations 

Overview: In this activity, students will work with a partner to analyze Black labor organizations in 19th Century Philadelphia. Using guided questions, they will explore how these organizations reflect the “Ways of Knowing/Systems of Thought” from the Africana Studies Conceptual Framework. 

Time: 20 minutes

Format: Partners

Objective: SWBAT analyze how Black labor organizations in 19th-century Philadelphia reflected systems of thought and community-building efforts described in the Africana Studies Conceptual Framework.

• Project Finding Black Labor Organization In the 1820s and 1830s (2023).

• Explain to students that they will work with partners to explore Black labor organizations in 19th Century Philadelphia.

• Make sure that every student has a partner. 

• Ask students to read the story map carefully with a partner. 

• Invite them to use the Black Organizations in 19th Century Philadelphia Mapping Activity document to take notes while reading.

• • Students can make their own copy here Black Labor Organizations in Philadelphia Mapping Activity- Make a copy

Activity 3: Journal Writing

Overview: 

Time: 20 minutes

Format: Individual

Objective: 

• Ask students to write three to four paragraphs about the following:

• • Journal Prompt: In today’s lesson, you explored how Black Philadelphians in the 19th century built labor organizations to address their community’s needs and resist oppression. As you write, respond to these questions:

  • • Analyze: How do these organizations reflect the “Ways of Knowing/Systems of Thought” in the Africana Studies Conceptual Framework? 

    • • What systems or strategies did Black Philadelphians create to explain their existence and address the challenges of living?

    • Reflect: If you were living in 19th-century Philadelphia, what kind of organization might you have joined or created to support your community? Why?

• Here is the Journal Writing: Black Labor Organizations in 19th Century Philadelphia

• Invite students to make their own copy of the instructions: Journal Writing: Black Labor Organizations in 19th Century Philadelphia- Make a copy