COVENTRY LIBRARY

activist research

Watch climate activist Greta Thunberg's TED talk.

What is an activist?

A person who uses strong action to support or oppose an issue (Merriam Webster).

Choose an activist to learn more about:

Rosa Parks, Civil Rights ActivistExplore the life of Rosa Parks and discover how she became a civil rights activist, starting with her work with the NAACP. Learn about her central role in the Montgomery bus boycotts during the Civil Rights Movement and her accomplishments later in life.

Michelle Obama, 44th First Lady of the United StatesLearn about Michelle Obama's early life, her years at Princeton and Harvard, and her marriage and family life with Barack Obama. Explore her efforts as the first African-American First Lady, including her Let's Move! campaign and her focus on girls' education.

Biography: Malala YousafzaiJacqui Rossi talks about the accomplished life of young Malala Yousafzai, an education advocate and survivor of an assassination attempt by the Taliban.

How I harnessed the windAt age 14, in poverty and famine, a Malawian boy built a windmill to power his family's home. Now at 22, William Kamkwamba, who speaks at TED, here, for the second time, shares in his own words the moving tale of invention that changed his life.

Jackie Robinson | Athlete and Activist Video | PBS LearningMediaJackie Robinson was a sports hero who became a civil rights activist. When Jackie Robinson took the field for the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947, he became the first African American to play Major League Baseball in the modern era. Demonstrating skill as a professional baseball player and consistent dignity both on and off the field, Robinson became an advocate for civil rights, as well as a role model. This video is a part of a lesson plan including two primary source activities and a short video below: understand how Robinson rose to prominence, and explore the importance of courage in his life. View the Lesson Plan.

How humans and animals can live togetherThe legendary chimpanzee researcher Jane Goodall talks about TACARE and her other community projects, which help people in booming African towns live side-by-side with threatened animals.

Elizabeth Taylor - AIDS ActivistAfter Elizabeth Taylor’s close friend Rock Hudson was diagnosed with AIDS, she began a lifelong devotion to the fight against AIDS.

greta thunberg

Climate activist. Read about her here.

martin luther king jr

Civil rights activist. Read about him here.

Harvey milk

Gary rights activist. Learn more here.

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