Mary McElhaney, Social Studies, Northridge Middle School
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Synopsis: The contribution of African American individuals who played a part in helping in the fight to end segregation and the civil rights movement is often understated. While students learn about Jackie Robinson, many hidden figures in the Civil Rights movement existed. Baseball is a perfect example of the hidden figures of the civil rights movement. Each individual in the unit plan has significantly contributed to the moment, rebelling and resisting oppression in their own ways.
The rationale for the unit plan is to create lessons with a circular focus. The unit will demonstrate how baseball themes can intertwine with Social Studies and US History standards. The Unit will incorporate African American baseball lessons into critical historical eras. This unit will function yearly and can be used with existing curricula. The central focus of this unit will be on six individuals: Oscar Charleston, Satchel Page, Moses Fleetwood Walker, John Bud Fowler, Andrew Rube Foster, and Jackie Robinson.