Students watch the following two films to learn about John Lewis and the Civil Rights Movement. Then consider the discussion questions.
John Lewis, U.S. Congressman, speaks about the importance of being a good citizen. (5:45 minutes run time)
In 1965, the historic Selma March known as Bloody Sunday was a turning point in the Civil Rights Movement. John Lewis, then a young student, co-led hundreds of peaceful marchers seeking voting rights for African Americans in the South. (2:00 minutes run time)
Discussion Questions:
1. In the film Citizenship, Congressman John Lewis states when the laws conflict with our conscience, we have an obligation to disobey the laws. Do you agree or disagree with Lewis?
2. What character traits do you think a good citizen possesses?
Students analyze the artwork below.
Notice that the double portrait by St. George depicts John Lewis after the first attempt to march from Selma to Montgomery for voting rights on March 7, 1965, when his skull was fractured, and then as a congressman. Interested students may want to research "Bloody Sunday" for more information about the first march from Selma.
Read and listen to the story by Kathy Crockett to learn more about John Lewis.
Excerpt from the MY HERO Book: John Lewis writes about how his hero Martin Luther King Jr. inspired him.
Congressman John Lewis talks about how his hero Martin Luther King, Jr. inspired him as a young man during the Civil Rights Movement.
Who is your hero? Students are invited to submit their own stories, art and short films honoring their heroes or sign our Guestbook.
Additional Resources for Students Who Want to Learn More About the Civil Rights Movement.
MY HERO Calendars for use in the Classroom
MY HERO's Teachers Calendar Features Lesson Plans and Multimedia Resources
Learn about a New Hero Every Day of the Year: Use the MY HERO Calendar in the Classroom
Students can share their Hero Essays, Films and Art through our Create Program
How to use MY HERO's Create Program to Publish Stories, Art, Film and Audio for Students
Tutorial for students: Publish written stories, film, original artwork and audio in MY HERO's multimedia library.
Organizer created on 3/29/2022 2:00:43 PM by Laura Nietzer
Last edited 2/17/2025 12:54:10 PM by Laura Nietzer
