The Present in Question

The document under study is a video published in September 2022, few days after the death of Queen Elisabeth II. It deals with the fact that people seem to be concerned if the Commonwealth is going to still exist while King Charles is on the throne. The Commonwealth is seen as a diplomatic organization where the membership is voluntary. Nevertheless, some countries decided to leave it: Pakistan in 1972, who did not agree with the recognition of Bangladesh. Moreover, Gambia decided to leave in 2013 because its head of state saw the Commonwealth as a form of neocolonialism intuition. However, it rejoined the Commonwealth in 2018 with another political leader. It is interesting to note that some countries who were not part of the British Empire also joined in such as Mozambique, Rwanda, Togo… because they share the same democratic values.

Furthermore, some countries were suspended or even forced to withdraw because they did not comply with the Commonwealth values: South Africa (1961), Nigeria (1999).

Empowering the Future

The document under study is a video about how the Commonwealth values its youth. It was published in October 2024. They created a platform so that young people can take initiatives through music, sports, debate and acting. On top of that, these projects responded to the needs of all the communities of the Commonwealth. Besides, the Commonwealth promotes mental health and we and well-being. In order to elaborate these projects, a thousand of young people, organizations, ministries and parliaments took part in them.

To conclude, the Commonwealth cannot be seen as a controversial organization because in order to join it, you can volunteer to do so. In addition, the countries are free to choose to have the British monarch as their Head of State or not. To finish with, the values of the Commonwealth that are freedom, equality, education, human rights, democracy, respect and friendship emphasize the idea that it is a very positive organization for all its members.

Homework: Learn the lesson.

The Present in Question

The document under study is a video about the future of the Commonwealth released in September 2022, few days         after the death of Queen Elisabeth II. People seem to be concerned about the continuity of the Commonwealth with King Charles on the throne. We have learned that, for historical reasons, some countries decided to leave the Commonwealth as they saw it as a form of neocolonialism (Gambia, 2013). Nevertheless, some countries decide to join it again such as Gambia, in 2018 who has a new head of state with different opinion. Moreover, some countries removed the British monarch as head of state, but stayed in the Commonwealth for the benefits of cooperation such as the Barbados. Furthermore, some countries were never part of the British Empire, but were willing to join the Commonwealth: Rwanda, Gabon, Togo…). On top of that, some countries were suspended or forced to withdraw from the Commonwealth because they did not comply with the democratic values of the organization (South Africa, 1961, Nigeria 1999 or Zimbabwe 2002).

Empowering the Future

The document study is a video published in October 2024. It deals with how the Commonwealth values the Youth. They give a platform to create real change through debates to make their voices heard. Through art and music also, they created songs to promote the young generation. Sports is also a goof platform to elevate the youth.

To conclude, the Commonwealth cannot be seen as a controversial organization as it promotes positive values such as democracy, peace, unity, respect. Everyone can find their place in this institution.

 Homework: Learn the lesson.

 (At the follwing of what we did last time)

In 1844, she married a free black, John Tubman. She decided to change her name to Harriet Tubman. She overheard about the Underground Railroad thanks to black sailors who were talking about a secret code and routes that would lead to the North.

In 1849, she decided to escape by herself following the North Star at night, and she arrived in Pennsylvania. Afterwards, she went back to the South to help other slaves escape. She went back 13 times as a conductor on the Underground Railroad. She never lost a passenger! As result, she was nicknamed “The Black Moses”. Afterwards, she joined the military Union army, she worked as a nurse. Moreover, she also was a spy for the Union army and a scout. She was the first black woman to lead a military raid freeing 700 slaves. On top of that, she also became an activist to fight for women’s rights. Besides, she also created schools and hospitals for the black community.

Then, in the 1880s, she could receive a pension of $20 a month for a time in the army.

She died on March 10^th 1913 at the age of 91 years old.

Homework: Learn the lesson.

 Turning History into Hope

The document under study is an extract from a magazine, published in September 2022. It is about the creation of the Commonwealth and its history.

We have learned that the Commonwealth gradually emerged as the British Empire declined. It all started with Canada, in the late 19^th century, when as a colony, they decided to become a self-governing dominion. Indeed, they wanted more freedom and a more organized system. Other British colonies followed their examples: Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Newfoundland and the Republic of Ireland. In 1926, they finally became equal in statues. In 1931, with the Statue of Westminster, the Commonwealth was formally established.

The roles that Commonwealth plays today are to promote peace and a better future for every country. Moreover, it has a symbolic image in the world for all the Commonwealth countries. On top of that, it can also financially help the economically weak countries.

Homework: Learn the lesson.

Making History

The document under study is an infographic of a timeline which represents great achievements done by famous African-Americans since 1940. These deeds/actions are significant landmarks in our modern-day world.

I think, the most outstanding achievement is the presidency of Barack Obama. Indeed, becoming the president of the USA is one of the most prestigious jobs in the world. For an African-American man, it meant that he was the most powerful person on the planet. Moreover, the fact that he was elected by the American people highlighted the fact that Obama’s presidency was a symbol of change.

In my opinion, Ruby Bridges becoming the first African-American girl to attend an all-white school in New Orleans, Louisiana was outstanding. Indeed, being able to access to education was a form of freedom and empowerment as it allowed young African-American people to develop themselves and make them being independent in their opinions.

To me, the best achievement is the one of Claudette Colvin in 1955. In fact, through her action she could help in the civil rights movement to end segregation. Even if Rosa Parks became the symbol of the desegregation of the transportation system, Colvin’s name still remains in people’s minds.

These deeds helped African Americans feel included and not feel segregated any more. They had hope to have the same opportunities as the white people. Moreover, these people can also be inspiration for young African Americans and bring pride to their community in any fields.

To conclude, overall, we can say that the situation has changed for African Americans as they have now more rights and opportunities in different fields (politics, education, sports, art…). Besides, They are also more visible in the media. Nevertheless, inequalities of treatment still occur/happen and African Americans still have to fight to keep their social status intact.

 Homework: Learn the lesson.

You are in charge of updating the infographic. Choose another African-American history-maker and present her or his achivements orally.

 Making History

The document under study is an infographic on which we can read about some of the major achievements made by people from the African-American community for the first time. All of these are significant landmarks in our modern-day world.

To me, Martin Luther King Jr named as Time Magazine’s Man of the Year in 1963 is the most outstanding because among all the famous men at the time he was seen as being the most influential man in the world.

In my opinion, Venus William was ranked #1 in tennis in 2002, she was the first African-American woman in that position. It is an impressive achievement as tennis is a male-dominated sport. She is an inspiration for little girls.

From my point of view, Cora Brown in 1952, who was the first African-American woman elected to the US Senate in 1952. Indeed, black women had a double burden: they were minorities in both respects in a sexist and racist society.

The African-American community felt proud upon seeing these great achievement. Moreover, these actions could open doors to the rest of the community, feeding hope to their dreams.

To conclude, the situation may have changed in some fields, nevertheless, there is still some social progress to make nowadays as racism and discriminations still occur.

Homework: Learn the lesson.

You are in charge of updating the infographic. Choose another African-American history-maker and present her or his achivements orally.

 The Flags of the Commonwealth Countries

The Union Jack appears on the flags of several countries, usually at the top left corner. These countries are Australia, Fiji, New Zealand and Tuvalu. These flags reflect historical ties/connections to the British Empire and they show that these countries were once British colonies.

On the other flags, we can see mainly natural elements such as stars, the sun, the moon, the sea, birds, lion, constellation, a maple leaf for the Canadian flag.

The flag of the Commonwealth is composed of a globe in the middle in gold, surrounded by 34 rays that represent the first 34 nations, which formed the Commonwealth at first. In the background, the color blue represents the different oceans. The globe and the rays look like the sun that can make us think of the British Empire with the famous quote: “The sun never sets on the British Empire”.