Summary:

In Lifting as We Climb, the author takes the reader through America’s history that contrasts the history generally discussed and taught. During the time of the women’s suffrage movement in America, women of color played important roles and fought hard for the right to vote and for equality. The author introduces these individuals and educates the reader about their impact, as well as organizations formed that drove the movement. Through this lens, students will explore the journey of women of color that faced racism by white suffragists and their communities that had to overcome racial prejudices. Lifting as We Climb fills in the blanks of history often untold and overlooked about the history of the suffrage movement and civil rights movement. 

Big Ideas:

• Rights are never freely given by those in power; people must fight for the rights they deserve.

• Prejudice exists even within marginalized communities/Racism negatively impacted the women’s suffrage movement.

• People with power must advocate and organize for those who are marginalized.

• People who contributed and fought for change in our country should be recognized regardless of race, gender, and class.

• The right to vote is an essential component of democracy, which was not freely given to marginalized peoples.

• Establishing equality in America is far from complete and will require continued organized effort.

Unit Overview: This document provides a unit overview that includes Big Ideas, Essential Questions, Historically Responsive framework, alignments to SEL, CEW, and core resources.