# Lesson 6: Day 1 - Black Public Schools

## **Google Doc for this Lesson** 

[https://docs.google.com/document/d/1qC-u%5FO4mIGaqlIc8mMarXEJXfW%5FFelQv4oB4CgQ-4YY/edit?usp=sharing](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1qC-u%5FO4mIGaqlIc8mMarXEJXfW%5FFelQv4oB4CgQ-4YY/edit?usp=sharing)

## **Activity 1:** Fact-Finding Activity

**Overview:** In this lesson, students will read [*__From 1820-1842 the Black Community Saved Black Public Schools - Twice__* __(2024)__](https://www.1838blackmetropolis.com/post/from-1820-1842-the-black-community-saved-black-public-schools-twice) and complete a fact-finding worksheet with 16 questions. The activity guides students to identify key figures, events, and community actions that shaped Black education in early 19th-century Philadelphia. By combining close reading with evidence-based responses, students will deepen their understanding of how Black communities resisted systemic barriers and built institutions of learning.

**Time:** 25 minutes

**Format:** Partners

**Objective:** SWBAT identify key evidence from a historical text and analyze the significance of community-led education, demonstrating how Black leaders and families expanded access to schooling in Philadelphia between 1820 and 1842.

* Tell students they will work with a partner to answer 16 fact-finding questions using direct evidence from [*__From 1820-1842 the Black Community Saved Black Public Schools - Twice__* __(2024)__](https://www.1838blackmetropolis.com/post/from-1820-1842-the-black-community-saved-black-public-schools-twice).


* Remind them to quote directly for fact questions and explain their thinking for the open-ended question (#16).
* Share the [__Black Public Schools: Fact-Finding Activity (Student Copy)__](https://docs.google.com/document/d/10Cu-dhT4jbRdFuqJfxl7rqsgpToLuzpIvoX5sXTCl3s/edit?usp=sharing)
* * Invite students to make their own copy: [__Black Public Schools: Fact-Finding Activity- Make a Copy__](https://docs.google.com/document/d/10Cu-dhT4jbRdFuqJfxl7rqsgpToLuzpIvoX5sXTCl3s/copy)


* Circulate the classroom to ensure students are on task and able to locate evidence.
* Use the [__Black Public Schools: Fact-Finding Activity (Answer Key)__](https://docs.google.com/document/d/14nX6ZJbddK-BiKdcOJ7cm2L8UqslSsgCxVfiu6f2hwg/edit?usp=sharing) for support.

## **Activity 2:** Journal Writing Activity

**Time:** 25 minutes

**Format:** Individually

**Overview**: This activity invites students to consolidate what they’ve learned so far about Black education in Philadelphia — from early schools and leaders like Eleanor Harris, to community efforts at the Lombard/Forten School, to literacy statistics and Sunday schools. Students practice using historical evidence and themes to prepare for the larger essay contest on the Institute for Colored Youth.

**Objective:** SWBAT reflect in writing on the importance of Black education in Philadelphia and examine some of the early struggles and successes of Black-led institutions.

* Summarize the previous activity: *“In the previous activity we saw how Black leaders, families, and teachers worked together to fight for strong schools. Education was not given — it was demanded, organized, and protected.”*
* Share the [__Journal Writing: Black Schools in Philadelphia__](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1YODeu4eAtrjebP2t6jqIs3VVs7Z42ufC35ENkchNFXA/edit?usp=sharing) document with students. 
* * Invite them to make their own copies here: [__Journal Writing: Black Schools in Philadelphia- Make a Copy__](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1YODeu4eAtrjebP2t6jqIs3VVs7Z42ufC35ENkchNFXA/copy)


* Give students time to write silently and independently.
* Remind them to use specific examples (people, schools, statistics, events) from our lessons.


* Prompt students who are stuck with: *“Think of one person or event we studied — what does their story show about why education mattered?”*

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**Documents**

- [L6:1 Black Community Saves Public Schools in 1824](https://1838blackmetropolis.getoutline.com/s/aa099d92-e5c1-4fa9-ad54-9fd69ac27a28/doc/l61-black-community-saves-public-schools-in-1824-focuGjl6VW)
- [L6:1 Activity - Journal Writing](https://1838blackmetropolis.getoutline.com/s/aa099d92-e5c1-4fa9-ad54-9fd69ac27a28/doc/l61-activity-journal-writing-aydcuak3ZR)
- [L6:1 Activity - Fact Finding](https://1838blackmetropolis.getoutline.com/s/aa099d92-e5c1-4fa9-ad54-9fd69ac27a28/doc/l61-activity-fact-finding-wdC9ghBn63)