Free Printable May Day, Labor History, Union Organizing Lessons

Spring is both a sad and victorious time for workers. Many events occurred which shaped the labor movement. March 25, 1911 lost 146 workers in the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire. April 28 is Workers Memorial Day, honoring fallen in workplace accidents or in organizing struggles. May 1 is May Day, International Worker's Day. May 4 commemorates casualties at Chicago's Haymarket riot in a 1886 labor rally. On May 19, 1920 saw the Matewan massacre of coal miners. On May 26, 1937 union organizers were beaten at Ford's River Rouge plant "Battle of the Overpass." Labor history is American (and world) history: it impacts every industry, occupation and person. Teachers and homeschoolers, why not educate students about unions with these free printable labor history lesson plans? I've listed websites, activities, worksheets, movies and books. Free Printable May Day, Labor History, Union Organizing Lesson Plans

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with Latino-Inspired Games, Crafts, Food

 Cinco de Mayo--"fifth of May" in Spanish--celebrates the Mexican victory at the Battle of Pueblo. It's not the Mexican independence day though it sounds like the U.S. 4th of July. My Latino friends tell me Cinco de Mayo isn't as big in Mexico as in the U.S. And what do we Americans do with holidays? Party! Or in this case, fiesta. Here's are kid-friendly Cinco de Mayo games, crafts, lesson plans, cultural activities and food! Kid-Friendly Cinco de Mayo Fiesta With Latino-Inspired Games, Crafts, Food 

Black History in Detroit: Sojourner Truth Housing Project Riots

Picture Detroit in 1942. 700,000 people are working round the clock to keep factories churning out war machines. This workforce includes 500,000 itinerant southerners driven north in search of employment. The city is doing more than its share to equip and transport American troops in World War II, covering 30 percent of the nation's war demand. This earns Detroit the distinction "arsenal of democracy." But it comes at a painfully high cost as the Sojourner Truth Housing Project riots showed.  Black History in Detroit: Sojourner Truth Housing Project Riots

WWII Detroit: America's 'Arsenal of Democracy'

Prior to the United States' entrance into World War II, President Franklin Roosevelt challenged the nation to become the world's "arsenal of democracy," to arm itself and so protect other democratic nations against the onslaught of Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan. One city in particular picked up that thrown gauntlet: Detroit. Detroiters worked round the clock in defense plants to produce 30 percent of U.S. war machinery, equipment, and munitions. Jobs were plentiful. In fact, there were more jobs than workers to fill them. WWII Detroit Answered FDR's call for America's 'Arsenal of Democracy'

Organizing Ford Motor Company: Black Detroit Autoworkers, Communism, Cadillac Square

For the last 100ish years, the word "communism" has held negative connotations. Even now, saying you're a Communist will quiet the room fast. In 1930s Detroit, being a Communist wasn't necessarily considered a bad thing, though -- at least not for 60,000 black American autoworkers. Here's the story of how black autoworkers helped turn the union tide at Ford Motor Company. Organizing Ford Motor Company

'Battle of Running Bulls' Flint Sit-Down Strike Anniversary

Jan. 11 marked the 76th anniversary of the Michigan labor struggle known as the "Battle of Running Bulls." On February 1, we remember the turning point of the strike which led to GM being forced to sign a contract on Feb 11. Violence erupted at General Motors Fisher Auto Body plant No. 2, during the Flint sit-down strike, reports the Flint Journal. The event would come to be called the "Gettysburg" of the CIO (Congress of Industrial Organizations) and was pivotal in organizing auto workers, says Solidarity. Here are details about that historic event. Michigan Sit-Down Strike Marks 75th Anniversary

Exposed Shipwreck in Grand Haven, Mich., Reveals Maritime History

For years, Michigan's waterways have been drying up. Exposed muddy shoals and riverbeds are yielding up fascinating treasures. In Grand Haven, Michigan, the now-visible shipwreck Aurora connects the state's east and west side maritime history. Here's her story.  Shipwreck Appearing in Grand Haven, Mich.

The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald--More than a Song

On Nov. 10,1975 , school kids in Michigan heard very little about the freighter S.S. Edmund Fitzgerald that sunk in Lake Superior, near Paradise, Mich. Surrounded by the Great Lakes, shipwrecks in Michigan were not uncommon. Then musician Gordon Lightfoot wrote "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald." As the 37th anniversary of the wreck of the S.S. Edmund Fitzgerald approaches, here are facts from that song and why they are meaningful to Michiganders and mariners. Be sure to click the video links. They're very interesting. The one from the minister who rang the bell at Mariners Church in Detroit is particularly touching. Read on. 

September 11, Hurricane Katrina: Separate and Unequal Reactions

It's with mixed emotions that I ponder 9/11, 10 years later. I knew our nation would engulf the WTC, Flight 93 and Pentagon victims with love. My fellow Americans are kindhearted. But when a big wind named Katrina drowned New Orleans four years later, where was that compassion? It's a tale of two Americas. Two profiles in courage with a segregation of empathy. Two separate and unequal responses, two equal and opposite reactions. 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina: Separate and Unequal Reactions from a Compassionate Nation 

Constitution Day, September 17, Benjamin Franklin Lessons

The U.S. celebrates Constitution Day on September 17. Use these activities for a back to school unit on early American government, including a look a one of America's most influential men--Ben Franklin. Who was Benjamin Franklin? He was many things. Born January 17, 1706, Benjamin Franklin was the 15th of Josiah Franklin's 17 children. His parents were poor working class people. Franklin's grandparents had been blacksmith, farmer and indentured servant. Despite this, Benjamin Franklin has been called a 'Renaissance Man'.   Read on Benjamin Franklin Lesson Plans, Homework Help for American History 

Best Labor Unions History Movies to Watch for Labor Day

 Labor Day, the first Monday in September, was designated to celebrate the achievements of organized labor unions in protecting workers' rights.Labor Day is about more than just BBQs and the last summer holiday. Here are labor union movies to watch for Labor Day. When labor wins a victory it helps everyone.

We have organized labor unions to thank for better healthcare benefits, unemployment benefits, safer working conditions, womens' right, racial unity, overtime pay, paid holidays and sick days, child labor laws and many other benefits that workers now take for granted. Watch these movies to understand more about how labors unions have impacted our lives. Since writing this I've since watched and recommend "Harlan County War" also. Read on  Best Labor Unions History Movies to Watch for Labor Day

Stendhal Syndrome and Art History

Russian Woman Hurls Teacup at DaVinci's 'Mona Lisa' at Louvre Museum
Parisian authorities are holding a women for psychiatric examination after she threw a tea cup at DaVinci's 'Mona Lisa' in the Louvre. She may suffer from Stendhal Syndrome, in which persons behave oddly when they see art.
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Last Titanic Survivor: Passed Away

Last Titanic Survivor Dies at 98 on Anniversary of Launch
Titanic was clearly sinkable. But the courage of the passengers and their memory remains forever unsinkable. Perhaps significantly,the last Titanic survivor, Millvina Dean passed away on Titanic's launch date 98 years later.
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Feast of the Strawberry Moon- Native American/French Voyageur Encampment

Feast of the Strawberry Moon
a review of the week-end activities associated with a military, French voyageur and native American encampment; includes dress, food, artifacts, transportation, weaponry, dwelling and living styles
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Vietnam War Protest Songs

Music Playlist: 25 War and Government Protest Songs
Need a playlist of protest songs for your election party? Maybe you need protest music for your history, government or current affairs class? 25 songs that protest war and government intervention. Use for classroom, school projects or election issues.
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Shakespeare: Ultimate Historati

DIY Guide: How to Read Shakespeare
If high school students were asked, 'Who would you most wish to see tortured?', William Shakespeare would top the list. Shakespeare, for many reasons, is the ultimate historati. He explores people (Julius Caesar, Richard III), places (Italy, Greece). Shakespeare explores the being of man. English teachers love 16th century dialogue; English students don't. Here's a reader's guide to Shakespeare.
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Free Lessons on Native American Culture

Free Printable Native American Activities
Thanksgiving is a perfect season to explore Native American Indian cultures. Understanding American Indian history helps us understand all history better. Here are free printable Native American lesson plans to help.
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Radio Plays and the Art of Storytelling

How to Read Aloud
Remember radio plays? Radio plays bring us back in history to the days when there weren't the visuals of television. Listeners relied upon the talents of readers to visualize the story in their minds. Here's a guide to reading aloud for storytelling, reader's theater and radio plays.
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