First Nation Inspiring Sustainable Solutions

The document under study is a video from CBC Kids News, published in 2020. It deals with an ecological activist called Autumn Peltier. Indeed, at the time, she was a 16-year-old activist fighting for clean water for First Nations communities in Canada. She is Chief Water Commissioner of the First Nations Committee.

Canada is one of the 56 nations that belonged to the Commonwealth. Autumn is denouncing the fact some communities from the First Nations do not have access to clean water therefore they have to boil it before using it to kill the germs. Therefore, others have to walk 2km to have access to a well shared by everyone where they can take some water to use. These people are living in third world country conditions when they are actually living in a first world country. This situation is unfair.

The actions that remain to be done would be to establish proper installations that would purify the water for everyone with equal and easy access.

To conclude, the messages that are conveyed are that through youth leaders messages are more powerful and have a greater impact on people for global justice and progress in order to build a resilient future.

Homework: Learn the lesson.

Be ready for the Final Project : Monday, March 23rd

Black History Month

The document under study is a video published in 2021 on USA Today Youtube Channel. It deals the concept of Black History Month. We have learned that Black History Month is celebrated in February every year In the USA and in Canada (in October in the UK). The founder of the concept was Carter G.Woodson, a famous African-American teacher, historian and publisher. At first, Woodson thought that black history would be part of/rooted in the American culture that he did not see the need for a Black History Month. However, in 1926 there was the first “Negro Week History” in the second week of February. The goals were on one hand, to prove that  black people had played a major role in American history and deserved to be treated equally. On another hand, to improve the visibility and reputation of black people against the media that was portraying/depicting them negatively.

Then, in 1976, it became a month thanks to some activists who lobbied for it to become a month. As a result, president Gerarld Ford made the first proclamation at the time. It then became official, approved by Congress in February 11^th, 1986.

Nevertheless, Black History Month has been controversial because some people think it is useless, some other people think there should be a white history month or even a confederate history month.

To finish with, despite the official recognition, only 9% of history class is spent on Black History month in American schools. Besides, in some states it is completely ignored.

Homework: Learn the lesson.

 (at the following of what we did last time)

To conclude, the three documents have several common points: both authors used rhetorical devices to describe their experience of slavery. Moreover, they both denounced the cruelty of slavery. On another hand, one document is a mere testimony, and the two others are speeches denouncing the lack of respect and injustices of slavery at the time.

To finish with, the most effective document is doc B because Douglass was attacking core values of the USA that were in complete contradiction with what was going on in the country at the time.

Homework: Learn the lesson.

Youth for Climate Action

The document under study is a video published in 2019 on the UN Climate Change: Learn Youtube Channel. It features youth activist Yande Banda and Ruben Sapetulu from Zambia. The main issue at stake is a call to action to end global warming and climate change and the need for climate justice. In her opinion, everyone should be involved in the fight, from toddlers to the elderly.

Yande Banda is a 15 year-old climate activist. She is energetic, encouraging, influential, determined and full of hope for the future. She is connected to the Commonwealth, firstly because she is from Zambia, one of the 56 nations of the Commonwealth. Secondly, she is fighting for climate justice, which is one of the Commonwealth’s current main concerns.

To conclude, the sustainable goals established by the United Nations to be achieved by 2030 that are connected to Yande’s message are: Climate Action (13), the main focus, then Life on land (15), Life under water (14) and Partnership for the Goals connected to the youth collaboration and engagement. Besides, Industry, Infrastructure and innovation (9) can also be added with the examples of the use of solar panels to create clean energy.

Homework: Learn the lesson.

A Silence that Speaks Volumes (Part 2)

The document under study is video from Al Jazeera English published in 2017. It deals with famous African-American NFL player Colin Kaepernick’ controversial kneeling during the American national anthem to protest against racial inequality and the rise of police brutality towards black men in the USA at the time.

Unfortunately, the consequences were very negative for him, the same as Smith and Carlos, history repeats itself: he was highly criticized, becoming the most hated NFL players. On top of that, his career ended as no other NFL teams wanted to hire him pretending that his athletic performances were degrading.

Above all, he felt the need to protest on the field at all costs because he wanted to use his influence to draw attention to this concern.

Even though he is not playing anymore, his action still continues to impact people because other athletes are doing the same, kneeling on the field to denounce racial injustice.

Homework: Learn the lesson.

A Silence that Speaks Volumes

The document under study is a news report from CBS Evening News published in 2016. It deals with the famous African-American Olympians’ protest on the victory stand during the Mexico Olympics of 1968. We can hear Tommie Smith being interviewed telling how he felt during his protest gesture. Moreover, he explains the reasons why they felt the need to protest at the time to denounce racial inequality in the USA. Indeed, even though through the Civil Rights act of 1964, discriminations were considered illegal it still continued to that day. Their act of protest was controversial: the two athletes were banned from the Olympic Village and banished from the future Olympic Games. Nevertheless, their action could create greater opportunity for people that followed.

They were honored 50 years later at the White House by President Obama because their action inspired others and had an impact on the society. Through his gesture, Obama wanted to make up for the injustice that happened at the time toward Smith and Carlos. On top of that, as an Africa-American citizen himself, he felt it was his duty to make them feel honored for their act of protest. Besides, Obama also wanted to restore the government’s dignity through this action in order to give a better image of the American institutions.

Homework: Learn the lesson.

A Silence that Speaks Volumes (part 1)

The document under study is a news report from CBS News, published in 2016. It deals with the story of African-American Olympic athletes Tommie Smith and John Carlos who were finally honored at the White House for their achievement by President Obama. Indeed, they had taken part in the Mexico Olympic games of 1968 where they protested on the victory stand to denounce racial inequalities in the USA at the time. Their act of protest was greatly controversial. As a consequence, they were banished from the Olympic village. On top of that, their medals and titles were taken away.

At the time, the athletes felt the need to protest on the victory stand because, even though segregation became illegal thanks to the Civil Rights Act of 1968, black people were still suffering from discriminations. Indeed, they won 2 medals for a country where there were still many inequalities between Blacks and Whites.

They were honored 50 years later because their protest still has an impact on today’s world, they opened opportunities for other influential people to speak out and denounce injustices.

Homework: Learn the lesson.

They Lived to Tell the Tale

Text A

The document under study is an autobiography

Of Frederick Douglass, published in 1845. In this

Extract, he mentions a childhood episode telling about the fact that contrary to white children who knew their age, black slaves did not have that privilege. In fact, questions were frowned upon by the masters to let slaves in their ignorance. Indeed, slaves were reduced to being mere properties and treated like horses. It was a dehumanizing process.  

Text B

The document under study is an extract of a speech pronounced by Frederick Douglass on July 4^th 1852. In this extract, he was explaining what the 4^th of July meant to American slaves. Indeed, according to him, this celebration is a shame because slavery that was taking place in the USA at the time contradicted the values of the Declaration of Independence. Douglass was the denouncing the hypocrisy of this celebration.

Text C

The document under study is an extract of a speech pronounced by Harriet Tubman in 1859 during a convention that stipulated the end of slavery should be done by sending black slaves back to Africa. However, Tubman and other abolitionists were against this idea. In fact, even though blacks were forced to be sent to America for slavery, they were then rooted there. America was the place they belonged to, no one should have the right to send them away.  

 (We will continue the study of the texts tomorrow. Be ready!)

 Homework: Learn the lesson.

They Lived to Tell the Tale

Text A

The document under study is an extract of Frederick Douglass’ autobiography, published in 1845. He shares about his experience as a slave. He mentions a childhood episode when he would compare himself with whit children. Indeed, unlike the white children who knew their age, he could not say his own age. In fact, it was a will of the slave owners to prevent slaves from knowing too much about themselves, to keep them ignorant to manipulate them better. It was dehumanizing as slaves were treated as mere properties like horses.

Text B

The document under study is an extract from a speech pronounced by Frederick Douglass on July 4^th, 1852. In this speech Douglass aims at showing the contradiction of the values described in the Declaration of Independence because not everyone was free: the American slaves were the victims. He is denouncing the hypocrisy of this celebration.

Text C

The document is an extract from a speech pronounced by Harriet Tubman in 1859. She is explain why she does not agree with the idea that black slaves should be sent back to Africa to end slavery. Indeed, according to her, even though black people were forced to live in America, they could not be sent back to Africa as they belonged to America then. The fact that white people are trying to send them out; rooting them out of America is not fair.

(We will continue the study of the texts tomorrow. Be ready!)

 Homework: Learn the lesson.

 (At the following of what we did last time)

Charles acknowledges the wrongdoing of the past. Now he encourages everyone to learn from the past and focus on the future to be more united and respectful. Moreover, Charles III wishes to establish a stable basis on which future generations can start anew. On top of that, their common past is also an opportunity for them to fight for a brighter and fairer future.

To conclude, the King’s speech aligns with the objectives of the Commonwealth because the goals of this association are to build a resilient future by facing today’s problems together: inequality, climate change, injustices… As a result, they should always be united and cooperate respectfully and peacefully with one another.

Homework: Learn the lesson.

Written Production:

Write a message to the King.
As a Commonwealth Youth Forum Delegate you attended the CHOGM meeting and heard King Charles's speech. Write a short message to the King, expressing your reaction to his speech. Do you agree with his vision? What inspired you? Would you like to challenge or add something?

Enjoy Your Vacation! 😉

 (At the following of what we did last time)

King Charles acknowledges the wrong doings of the past. Now he would like to encourage people to focus on the future to move on together and be active in creating better opportunities for everyone. To do so, they need to listen to one another and work together with solidarity and respect for fairer future.

To conclude, what the King says in his speech aligns with the objectives of the Commonwealth because it is seen as a big family and respecting everyone’s opinion is important.

 Homework: Learn the lesson.

Written Production:

Write a message to the King.
As a Commonwealth Youth Forum Delegate you attended the CHOGM meeting and heard King Charles's speech. Write a short message to the King, expressing your reaction to his speech. Do you agree with his vision? What inspired you? Would you like to challenge or add something?

Enjoy Your Vacation! 😉

The Reverse Underground

The document under study is a trailer for a movie entitled “12 Years a Slave” released in 2013. It deals with the real life story of Solomon Northup. He was a free black man who was born in 1841 in the state of New York, a free state. He was a married man with children. Moreover, he was a praised professional musician, a violinist. Unfortunately, he was betrayed/deceived by two white men who drugged him in order to kidnap him and sale him into slavery.  On top of that, he was wrongly accused of being a Georgian runaway and was sold to a plantation. We can see him standing against his slave master because he knew the situation was too unfair. Nevertheless, he receives words of advice from the other slaves who advise him to obey and submit to the master so that he will not get into trouble and save his life. Unlike the other characters, he never seems to accept the identity of a slave – for 12 years.

Homework: Learn the lesson.

Enjoy Your Vacation! 😉

Reflecting on Today’s Challenges

The document under study is an extract of a speech pronounced by King Charles III in 2024 during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Samoa, Oceania. In his speech, Kings Charles is reflecting on the “painful past” the countries of the Commonwealth had to go through. He is alluding to colonization, slavery, injustices, inequalities (in education and health…), division… In order to create a better future for everyone, he says that it is important to learn lessons from the past in order not to make the same mistakes again. He encourages everyone to speak with respect and not division and create equal opportunities for all people. Moreover, he describes the Commonwealth as a family that can be a community of peace and hope where people respect one another.

(We will continue the study of the video next time. Be ready!)

Homework: Learn the lesson.

 (At the following of what we did last time)

As a consequence, they were humiliated by an angry mob composed of white people who threw food and everything that was on the counter at the young activists. In addition, they were beaten up. Eventually, they were put in jail. This event went viral all over the world as it was the most photographed sit-in in the sit-in movement. Therefore, it had a very important impact in the world that rallied many people to this cause.

To conclude, the Civil Rights movement should not be reduced to MLK and Rosa Parks because it was not an exclusive fight as everyone was concerned and welcome to take part in no matter their skin color.

Homework: Learn the lesson.

Enjoy Your Vacation! 😉

The Fight for Social Justice

The document under study is a video of the testimonies of former Civil Rights activists / veterans of the Civil Rights. We can hear 3 people who took part in the movement, one of which was a reporter who took pictures of the event at the time and a teacher who teaches in the University these students used to go. At the time, these activists were all students.

The organized a sit-in in a Woolworth’s lunch counter in Jackson, Mississippi, 1963. They wanted to put an end to racial segregation in restaurants. It is interesting to note that there were also white people who took part in the fight for social justice.

Their strategy was to go to a five and dime lunch counter, sit at the counter reserved for white customers and ask to be served politely and peacefully. The goal of this strategy was to highlight the absurdity of segregation and make people aware that everyone should be treated equally despite their skin color.

(We will continue the study of the video next time. Be ready!)

Homework: Learn the lesson.

 The Fight for Social Justice

The document under study is a video of former Civil Rights activists / veterans of the Civil Rights sharing their testimonies during a famous sit-in in the 1960s. They used to be students at the time of the event. There were white and black activists working together for the same cause.

They organized a sit-in in a Woolworth’s lunch counter in Jackson, Mississippi in 1963. The goal was to put an end to segregation in restaurants and denounce the inequality of this system.

They chose to go to a five and dime lunch counter and sat at the counter reserved for white people. Their objectives were to make people aware of the absurdity of the situation, to highlight  the belief that all citizens should be treated equally despite their skin color.

(We will continue the study of the video tomorrow. Be ready!)

Homework: Learn the lesson.

The Battle Over South Africa

The document under study is an extract from the TV show “The Crown”. In this scene, we can see Queen Elisabeth II discussing with Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. Indeed, they are discussing about the place of Africa in the Commonwealth because of the Apartheid regime. Queen Elisabeth wants South Africa to be sanctioned because of the unfair regime that goes against the values of the Commonwealth. However, Thatcher is against sanctioning them for economic reasons that could be a disadvantage for both countries. Moreover, Thatcher thinks that the Commonwealth serves as the remaining of the British Empire, therefore the British monarch should not have a say on the governments in place the different countries of this organization. Nevertheless, the Queen would like thatcher to sign a petition signed already by 48 countries of the Commonwealth willing to denounce and sanction South Africa.

Homework: Learn the lesson.

The Battle over South Africa

The document under study is an extract from the TV Series “The Crown”. We can see the Prime Minister at the time, Margaret Thatcher and Queen Elisabeth II. They are discussing about the fate of South Africa and the possibility to sanction the country because of Apartheid. Indeed, Apartheid does not correspond to the values of the Commonwealth. Therefore, according to the Queen South Africa should be sanctioned for the way the country treated its black citizens. As a result, she asked Thatcher to sign the petition that denounced their wrong actions. However, Thatcher does not agree, and explains that England should not try to sanction South Africa because they need South Africa for the good of their economy.

Homework: Learn the lesson.

 Harriet Beecher Stowe

The document under study is a video that promotes the movie entitled “The Abolitionists”, released in 2013. In this extract, we learn about the famous abolitionist Harriet Beecher Stowe, a white American woman who lost her son to cholera. As a result, she decided to write a novel about slavery to connect her own loss of a child with the slave mothers who had their children taken away from them. In fact, in her book entitled “Uncle Tom’s cabin”, she humanizes the experience of slavery by giving her slave characters emotions. As a consequence, her book won over many Americans who changed their minds on the ethics of slavery. Moreover, her novel was very successful, when it was published in 1852, 245,000 copies were sold. To finish with, the title of her book refers to the place where the slaves lived on the planation compared to the Big House of their slave masters.

Homework: Learn the lesson.

Harriet Beecher Stowe

The document under study is a video about the famous American writer who wrote a novel entitled “Uncle Tom’s Cabin” in 1852.  Harriet Beecher Stowe was a mother who lost one of her sons because of cholera. As a consequence, she linked her loss to the losses of slave mothers who had their children taken away from them. As a result, she became an abolitionist. Through her book, she gave feelings to the slaves and gave them back their humanity.

The title of her book is linked to the place where the slaves were living on the plantations. They were small houses compared to the big house of the slave master. Her novel was very successful as 245,000 copies were sold in America.

Homework: Learn the lesson.

 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”.

The Flags of the countries of the Commonwealth

The Union Jack appears on 4 flags of Commonwealth countries. It is usually positioned on the top left corner of these flags.

These countries are: Australia, Fiji, Tuvalu and New Zealand.

The presence of the Union Jack on these flags reflects the historical ties/connections to the British Empire and it shows that these countries were once British colonies.

Other symbols can be found on the other flags, mainly natural elements: sun and stars, plants (maple leaf -> Canada), animals (bird of paradise, lion, seagull).

The flags are also very colorful. The color green can be seen on several flags and can be linked to nature as well.

The Commonwealth flag is composed of 34 sunrays, a globe in the middle, the background is blue that represents the different oceans. The globe and the rays are in yellow to look like the sun because the sun never sets on the Commonwealth.

Homework: Learn the lesson.

The Breathtaking Courage of Harriet Tubman

The document under study is an animated story about the famous abolitionist Harriet Tubman, published in 2018 on Ted-Ed YouTube Channel.

We have learned that she was born under the name of Araminta Ross in the early 1820s in Maryland. She had 8 siblings, she was the fifth child. Unfortunately, her family was separated because they were sold away to other slave masters. When she was a child, she was violently hit on the head with a bag of flour (2 pounds). As a result, she suffered from “sleeping spells”, narcolepsy. No slave masters wanted to buy her because of her health condition. She stayed with her father and two brothers. Her father taught her to lumber which enabled her to get physically stronger. Then, she could be in contact with free black sailors whom she could overhear them talking in a secret communication.

In 1844, she married a free black man named John Tubman and changed her name to be called Harriet Tubman.

(We will continue the study of the video next time. Be ready!)

Homework: Learn the lesson.

The Breathtaking Courage of Harriet Tubman

The document under study is a biographical video on the famous abolitionist Harriet Tubman, published in 2018 on TED-Ed YouTube Channel.

We have learned about her life and career and how she became a symbolic figure in the fight against slavery.

We have learned she had 8 siblings, she was the 5^th child. She was born under the name of Araminta Ross. Unfortunately, her family was separated because they were sold to different masters. She could live with her father and two younger brothers. Unfortunately, when she was a child, she was violently hit on the head with a bag of flour (2kg). As a result, she suffered from “sleeping spells”, narcolepsy. Because of that, she could not be sold to other slave masters. Her father taught her to lumber that helped her improve her physical condition.

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.

(we will continue the study of the video next time. Be ready!)

Homework: Learn the lesson.

Quote of the Day:

Queen Elisabeth II wanted to distance the Commonwealth from the British Empire. While the British Empire was based on colonial domination, inequality and control, as opposed to the Commonwealth that is presented as a free voluntary association of equal nations, built on shared values such as: friendship and loyalty (instead of control and oppression), freedom and peace (instead of conquest and conflict).

Africa has the most Commonwealth countries with 21. Then, in the Americas there are 14 countries that belong to the Commonwealth. On the third place, Oceania has 11 Commonwealth countries. Then, Asia has 8 countries that belong to the Commonwealth. Finally, Europe has 6 Commonwealth nations.

 Quote of the Day:

Queen Elisabeth II wanted to distance the Commonwealth from the British Empire. While the British Empire was based on colonial domination, inequality and control, as opposed to the Commonwealth that is presented as a free voluntary association of equal nations, built on shared values such as: friendship and loyalty (instead of control and oppression), freedom and peace (instead of conquest and conflict).

Africa is the continent with the most Commonwealth countries with a total of 21.

Then, in the Americas there are 14 Commonwealth countries. Oceania comes on the third position with 11 Commonwealth countries. Then, Asia has 8 countries belonging to the Commonwealth. Finally, Europe has 6 Commonwealth countries.

Those who Diced with Death

The document under study is the trailer for a TV series entitled “Underground”. It is about the Underground Railroad. We could see white characters who were the slave masters, some had guns, they were the slave catchers. We could also see a big house, the house of the slave master and its plantation of cotton with slaves working on it. Moreover, we could see the two main characters Rosalie, who is a house slave working in the big house and Noah, a slave who works outside on the plantation. They both planned to escape and to run away from their plantation thanks to the Underground Railroad. Furthermore, we can also see a couple of white people, who are station masters and abolitionists, helping fugitive slaves to escape. They are working with a free black man. It is interesting to note that fleeing the plantation is not an easy decision to take because it is often the slaves that are left behind that would pay the price.

Homework: Learn the lesson.

 Commonwealth Day

The document under study is a video about Commonwealth Day, published in March 2024. We have learned that the Commonwealth is composed of 56 nations with 2.5 billion citizens. Commonwealth Day happens every year on the second Monday of March. The main ceremony takes place at Westminster Abbey in London, UK. At the same time, there are other ceremonies across the world including The Caribbean, Africa, Asia, Oceania, The Pacific, the Americas and Europe.

The goal of Commonwealth Day is to promote unity, diversity, resilience and democracy. Moreover, despite the different cultures and traditions, the aim is to create one common bright future as it was the theme for Commonwealth Day in March 2024: “One Resilient Common Future”.

Homework: Learn the lesson.

 (At the following of what we did last time)

Moreover, he mentions the defiance of Malcom X, the soulfulness (passion) and the moral strength of Martin Luther King and the strength of Mohamed Ali as great inspirations for him to pursue his ambitions.

However, with all his travels overseas, he realized that race relations problems were not only an American issue. Indeed, he noticed that it is actually a human problem as people naturally divide themselves in their daily lives (working places, schools, churches…). As a result, they create assumptions and beliefs in stereotypes leading to tensions between communities.

To conclude, by willing to become the first African-American president his goal was to unite people and to convince them that differences can actually be enriching and empowering for everyone no matter the ethnic group they belong to.

Homework: Learn the lesson.