Lesson 7: Day 2 - Jacob C. White, Jr.

Jacob C. White, Jr., Image Public Domain

Jacob C. White, Jr., Image Public Domain

Google Doc for This Lesson

Activity 1: The Jacob C. White, Jr. Connection

Overview: In this activity, students analyze Jacob C. White’s inspiration from and impact on the Institute for Colored Youth. By examining his experiences as a student and his later leadership as an educator, students will connect how ICY shaped his philosophy and how he, in turn, extended its legacy through his career.

Time: 25 minutes

Format: Whole Group

Objective: SWBAT analyze Jacob C. White Jr.’s development as a student, teacher, and school administrator by identifying evidence from his early experiences at the Institute for Colored Youth and explaining how he carried its values into his career as a leading Black educator.

  • Tell students: “Today we will read about Jacob C. White Jr., one of the first graduates of the Institute for Colored Youth who later became a leading Black educator in Philadelphia. As we read, pay attention to how his experiences as a student shaped his philosophy and how he extended ICY’s legacy through his career.”

  • Share the The Jacob C. White, Jr. Connection worksheet and say: “As we go through the reading together, jot down details about White’s education as a student, his work as a teacher, and his leadership as a school administrator. Think about how these connect back to ICY’s mission and values.”

  • Project and read Philadelphia Negro Educator_Jacob C. White, Jr., 1837-1902 (Silcox, 1973).pdf pp. 75-81 aloud, pausing occasionally to check for understanding.

  • Give students time to complete their notes on the worksheet.

  • Invite a few students to share one example or reflection.

  • Highlight the themes of education as empowerment, ICY’s role in shaping leaders, and White’s impact on future generations.


Activity 2: Revise ICY Grad Essays

Overview: In this activity, students will revise their ICY essays. Using teacher feedback, peer review workshop notes, and evidence gathered from the Jacob C. White Jr. and Octavius Catto Connection worksheets, students will refine their writing to clarify their ideas and strengthen their arguments.

Time: 25 minutes

Format: Individually

Objective: SWBAT revise their ICY essays by incorporating feedback and new evidence in order to clarify their thinking and strengthen their arguments.

  • Tell students: “Today you will revise your ICY essays. Use the feedback you received from me, the peer review workshop, and the evidence you gathered from the Jacob C. White Jr. and Octavius Catto worksheets. Your goal is to clarify your thinking and strengthen your arguments.”

  • Project the R ICY Graduate Essay: Revision Checklist

  • Give students 20 minutes of focused writing time.

  • Circulate to check in with students, answer questions, and encourage them to make specific changes instead of only surface edits.