# Lesson 7: Day 1 - Octavius Catto ![Octavius Catto, Image Public Domain](https://outline-production-attachments.s3-accelerate.amazonaws.com/uploads/9157adf3-f1f7-41c8-9762-5e0ed60f1789/1cbfaa4a-6fe8-426a-996c-61637db9f2e3/image.png?X-Amz-Algorithm=AWS4-HMAC-SHA256&X-Amz-Content-Sha256=UNSIGNED-PAYLOAD&X-Amz-Credential=AKIA4EOUDTOVUICLPZ4P%2F20261030%2Fus-east-1%2Fs3%2Faws4_request&X-Amz-Date=20261030T053000Z&X-Amz-Expires=86400&X-Amz-Signature=0ab27cf46ca32927ff7a4f61e744ed7d4f8855021afbd4da7e9d2d5a32c564f9&X-Amz-SignedHeaders=host&x-amz-checksum-mode=ENABLED&x-id=GetObject " =342x544") ## Google Doc for This Lesson [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1zbXykkv5UV7uIxpG7XACqJEIxG9sAT7dCJbwjX03lsI/edit?tab=t.qmco3z5ba25z](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1zbXykkv5UV7uIxpG7XACqJEIxG9sAT7dCJbwjX03lsI/edit?tab=t.qmco3z5ba25z) ## **Activity 1:** The Octavius Catto Connection **Overview:** In this activity, students synthesize what they learned from [__Discovering Incredible Connections to Famous Black Civil Rights Hero Octavius Catto | Ancestry®__](https://youtu.be/isbc-tV0kEE?si=19qJ8Cq3YfaBGOLj). They will learn about the importance of preserving Black history through cemeteries and digitization, and reflect on how Catto’s legacy connects to the present. **Time:** 20 minutes **Format:** Whole Group **Objective:** SWBAT summarize key facts about Octavius Catto, explain the role of cemeteries and digitization in preserving Black history, and reflect on the modern significance of Catto’s legacy. * Tell students: “*Today we will watch a short video about discovering family history and the story of Octavius Catto, a civil rights leader in 19th-century Philadelphia. As you watch, take notes on key details that stand out.*” * Share the [__The Octavius Catto Connection__](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1aMIgOaTBJng-uL5VMYdpCeCP_QnLMyW6OEgc2zapABw/edit?usp=sharing) worksheet and say: “While watching, jot down facts you learn about Catto, something about why cemeteries and digitization matter, and any thoughts on why this history is important for us today.” * * Invite students to make their own copies: [__The Octavius Connection- Make a copy__](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1aMIgOaTBJng-uL5VMYdpCeCP_QnLMyW6OEgc2zapABw/copy) * Play the video straight through while students complete their notes. * Give students time to finish their worksheet responses. * Invite a few students to share one fact or reflection.  * Highlight the themes of preserving history, honoring legacies, and connecting past to present. ## **Activity 2:** Octavius Catto Speaks **Overview:** In this read-aloud activity, students examine  [__Our Alma Mater (Catto, 1864)__](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1uLMIv1HH2Md0s17q2PUYHEAHGG44-oBK/view?usp=sharing), Octavius Catto’s commencement address delivered at the Institute for Colored Youth. Through discussion, students consider how Catto celebrated the role of education in shaping freedom and citizenship for Black Americans.  **Time:** 30 minutes **Format:** Whole Group/ Partners * Remind students that Octavius Catto was a graduate of the Institute for Colored Youth, becoming both a teacher and eventually the principal of ICY.  * Explain that today, they will read Octavius Catto’s commencement address delivered at the Institute for Colored Youth in 1864. * Project [__Our Alma Mater (Catto, 1864)__](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1uLMIv1HH2Md0s17q2PUYHEAHGG44-oBK/view?usp=sharing) and read pp. 3-7 aloud. * * Pause while reading to ask clarifying questions: * * *“The introduction mentions alumni giving speeches, reading essays, and honoring former classmates. What does this tell us about the kind of community ICY was building for its students and graduates?”* * “*Compare and contrast the ICY graduation with graduations you’ve experienced. What are the similarities and differences?"* * Divide students into pairs or invite them to choose a partner.  * Ask students to work with their partner to read an excerpt from Catto’s speech- pp. 12-16.  * Share the [__Analyzing "Our Alma Mater" (Catto, 1864)__](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1n6tFnZU0Fdc1WeH8O6V7Xws9mic9JC8gK3c7kUWgo6E/edit?usp=sharing) worksheet and invite students to make their own copies:  * * [__Analyzing "Our Alma Mater" (Catto, 1864)- Make a copy__](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1n6tFnZU0Fdc1WeH8O6V7Xws9mic9JC8gK3c7kUWgo6E/copy) * If time permits, ask a few students to summarize their takeaways.  * * What ideas from [__Our Alma Mater (Catto, 1864)__](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1uLMIv1HH2Md0s17q2PUYHEAHGG44-oBK/view?usp=sharing) could  you add to your ICY Graduation essay?  [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1zbXykkv5UV7uIxpG7XACqJEIxG9sAT7dCJbwjX03lsI/edit?usp=sharing](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1zbXykkv5UV7uIxpG7XACqJEIxG9sAT7dCJbwjX03lsI/edit?usp=sharing) --- **Documents** - [L7:1 Discovering Incredible Connections](https://1838blackmetropolis.getoutline.com/s/aa099d92-e5c1-4fa9-ad54-9fd69ac27a28/doc/l71-discovering-incredible-connections-qE55PRsdLZ) - [L7:1 Activity - Analyzing Our Alma Mater](https://1838blackmetropolis.getoutline.com/s/aa099d92-e5c1-4fa9-ad54-9fd69ac27a28/doc/l71-activity-analyzing-our-alma-mater-WFyzjky8L9) - [L7:1 Activity - The Octavius Catto Connection](https://1838blackmetropolis.getoutline.com/s/aa099d92-e5c1-4fa9-ad54-9fd69ac27a28/doc/l71-activity-the-octavius-catto-connection-PDiCgOSvQu) - [L7:1 Our Alma Mater](https://1838blackmetropolis.getoutline.com/s/aa099d92-e5c1-4fa9-ad54-9fd69ac27a28/doc/l71-our-alma-mater-wsPONdbBfm) - [L7:1 Extra - Octavius Catto Memorial](https://1838blackmetropolis.getoutline.com/s/aa099d92-e5c1-4fa9-ad54-9fd69ac27a28/doc/l71-extra-octavius-catto-memorial-DHMz2dIqsS) - [L7:1 Extra - Octavius Catto Bio by Fanny Coppin](https://1838blackmetropolis.getoutline.com/s/aa099d92-e5c1-4fa9-ad54-9fd69ac27a28/doc/l71-extra-octavius-catto-bio-by-fanny-coppin-YB71Hdk4e4)