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Key Issues Raised:

• Activism and Its Impact: What are the most effective ways to advocate for social change? How can individuals make a meaningful difference in their communities?
• Voting Rights and Civic Engagement: How did John Lewis’ lifelong commitment to voting rights shape the fight for equality? What lessons can we draw about the importance of voting and voter advocacy in securing civil rights?
• Systemic Injustice: What are the barriers that marginalized communities face, and how can these systems of oppression be dismantled?
• Identity and Intersectionality: How do different aspects of identity (race, gender, sexuality) intersect to shape individual experiences? What challenges arise from these intersections?
• Community Support: What role does community play in the fight for justice? How can individuals support one another in their struggles?
• Personal Sacrifice: What are the personal costs of activism? How do individuals balance their commitments to social justice with their personal lives and well-being?
• Hope and Resilience: In the face of adversity, how can hope be sustained? What strategies do individuals use to remain resilient during challenging times?
• Generational Differences: How do younger and older generations perceive and engage with activism differently? What can each generation learn from the other?

 Curriculum Connections:

Social Studies/Civics:

• Voting Rights and Civic Engagement: The film offers an in-depth exploration of the struggle for voting rights, highlighting John Lewis’ pivotal role in securing these rights. Students can analyze the historical significance of voting legislation and its ongoing relevance today.
• Civil Rights and Activism: The film can be used to explore historical and contemporary social movements, discussing the role of activism in shaping society.
• Political Systems: Students can analyze how systemic injustice affects different communities and the importance of civic engagement, especially through voting.

Literature:

• Character Analysis: The film provides rich material for studying character development and motivations within the context of social justice themes.
• Narrative Techniques: Students can analyze storytelling methods and the emotional impact of personal narratives in activism.

History:

• Civil Rights Movement: The film offers a platform to discuss the history of civil rights in the U.S., particularly the fight for voting rights, connecting past struggles to present-day issues.
• Social Movements: Students can compare various movements for equality and their impacts over time.

Ethics/Philosophy:

• Moral Dilemmas: The film raises ethical questions about activism, personal sacrifice, and the moral responsibility to advocate for justice.

Health Education:

• Mental Health and Resilience: Discussions can focus on the emotional toll of activism and the importance of self-care and community support.

Art/Media Studies:

• Representation in Media: Students can examine how film and media portray social issues and the importance of diverse voices in storytelling.

Debate/Forensics:

• Argumentation and Advocacy: The film can serve as a basis for debates on social justice topics, including voting rights, allowing students to develop arguments and engage in advocacy.