Combatting Racism

INMS 6th Grade
M. Carlucci
MCarlucci8@schools.nyc.gov

INTRODUCTION

Every person deserves to be treated with fairness, kindness, and respect. But throughout history, many people have been treated unfairly because of the color of their skin, their culture, or where they come from. This unfair treatment is called racism.

Racism can happen in schools, neighborhoods, workplaces, and even in the justice system. Sometimes racism is obvious, like name-calling or discrimination. Other times it can be hidden in laws, rules, or stereotypes that hurt people unfairly.

Remember when we read Dear Martin by Nic Stone? Think about what happened to Justyce and how he was judged because he was a young Black man. Even when he tried to do the right thing, people treated him unfairly. The novel showed us how racism can affect a person’s life, emotions, opportunities, and safety.

As students, you have the power to make a difference. Learning about racism helps us become better classmates, neighbors, and leaders. When we understand injustice, we can work together to create change.

What can YOU do to combat racism?

Let’s start close to home! In New York City, many organizations work to promote equality, justice, and understanding for all people.

Now you can help!

You have just been hired as a Research Associate for a New York City Anti-Racism Coalition. They need your help gathering information about racism and creating solutions to make schools and communities more fair and inclusive. A research associate works in a research department of an organization or company to gather, organize, and synthesize information to support decision-making.

TASK

You will be working in a team of four research associates to design a Google Slides presentation. In addition to your presentation, all team members will provide the Director of the NYC Anti-Racism Coalition with an oral presentation to share their findings and propose a solution.

Your Google Slides presentation will include:

●     Definition of racism

●     Examples of racism in history and today

●     Connections to Dear Martin

●     The effects racism has on individuals and communities

●     Research about organizations fighting racism

●     A realistic solution or action plan students and communities can use

●     Images, graphs, and statistics to support your ideas

●     A concluding reflection explaining how students can create positive change

You will also create and present:

●     An oral presentation

●     A group action plan

●     A reflection paragraph from each group member

PROCESS/RESOURCES (click hyperlinks)

1.    Day One / Step One: Define the Problem

Your group will answer:

●     What is racism?

●     What are stereotypes and prejudice?

●     How did racism affect Justyce in Dear Martin?

●     Why is racism harmful to individuals and communities?

 

2.    Day Two / Step Two: Gather the Evidence

Research:

●     Historical examples of racism in the United States

●     Modern examples of racism in schools, sports, media, or communities

●     Statistics or news articles about discrimination

●     Quotes and examples from Dear Martin

Suggested Resources:

●     Library databases

●     News articles approved by your teacher

●     Interviews or surveys

●     School counseling resources

●     Anti-racism organizations

3.    Day Three / Step Three: Identify the Causes

Discuss:

●     How stereotypes are created

●     How fear and misinformation can lead to racism

●     How racism continues through unfair systems or unequal treatment

●     How silence can allow racism to continue

 

4.    Day Four / Step Four: Evaluate Existing Solutions

Research organizations and movements working to combat racism.
 Examples:

●     Community education programs

●     Diversity and inclusion programs

●     Peaceful protests and activism

●     School programs promoting kindness and equity

Evaluate:

●     Which solutions seem effective?

●     What challenges do these organizations face?

●     How could schools help?

 

5.    Day Five / Step Five: Develop Solutions

As a group, brainstorm possible solutions:

●     Peer mentoring programs

●     School-wide kindness campaigns

●     Diversity celebrations

●     Anti-bullying and anti-racism workshops

●     Student discussion groups

●     Social media awareness campaigns

 

6.    Day Six / Step Six: Select the Best Solution

Choose the best solution by considering:

●     Feasibility: Can this realistically happen?

●     Effectiveness: Will this create positive change?

●     Impact: Who will benefit from this solution?

●     Sustainability: Can the solution continue over time?

Prepare your final Google Slides presentation and oral presentation.

 

 

 

EVALUATION

 

Criteria	5	4	3	2	1
Content	Content is accurate and all required information is presented in a logical order. Strong connections to Dear Martin are included.	Content is accurate but some required information is missing.	Content is somewhat accurate but difficult to follow.	Content is questionable and lacks organization.	Content is inaccurate and unclear.
Slide Creation	Presentation flows well and creatively uses digital tools and visuals.	Presentation flows well. Tools are used correctly.	Presentation is acceptable with some organization.	Presentation is unorganized.	Presentation has no flow.
Oral Presentation	Speakers are confident, clear, and well prepared.	Mostly clear and prepared.	Some preparation shown.	Minimal preparation shown.	Not prepared.
Pictures/Graphics	5 or more meaningful images/graphs support ideas.	3–4 images included.	1–2 images included.	Few relevant visuals.	No visuals.
Mechanics	No spelling or grammar errors. Writing is original.	Few errors. Writing is mostly original.	Some spelling/grammar errors.	Many spelling/grammar errors.	Writing is copied or difficult to understand.
Presentation Skills	Well-rehearsed with excellent eye contact and speaking skills.	Good rehearsal and delivery.	Acceptable rehearsal.	Limited rehearsal.	No rehearsal indicated.

 

CONCLUSION

By completing this WebQuest, you will better understand how racism affects individuals, schools, and communities. You will also learn how literature, like Dear Martin, helps readers understand injustice and empathy.

Most importantly, you will discover that students have the power to create change. Through kindness, education, courage, and action, we can work together to build communities where everyone feels respected, valued, and safe.

STANDARDS

English Language Arts (ELA)

●     Cite textual evidence to support analysis of literature

●     Conduct short research projects using multiple sources

●     Present information clearly using appropriate facts and details

●     Engage effectively in collaborative discussions

Social Studies

●     Analyze social issues affecting communities

●     Examine fairness, equality, and civic responsibility

●     Understand how citizens and organizations work to improve society

Speaking and Listening

●     Present claims and findings clearly

●     Use multimedia components to enhance presentations

●     Collaborate effectively in group discussions