Understanding racism and its roots, identifying personal privileges and biases, and dismantling systems and beliefs internally and in our schools is a long (and difficult) process. Photographs often capture important moments in American history, and as a teaching tool can be used to inspire critical reflection and frame classroom conversations that support the process of understanding how racism has shaped our lives and beliefs. In this lesson, students will examine the ways African-American Heavyweight Champion Jack Johnson was represented in the media at the height of his career during the Jim Crow era. In the process, students will come to better understand the ways in which media reflects and enforces harmful ideologies. If we understand that media makers were living in a society guided by racist ideas and anti-Blackness during Johnson’s life and the Jim Crow era, we can build a more nuanced understanding of both Johnson and the role of media in our society.

Note: Educators should develop an ethical process to introduce the content and historical context of these videos, articles, and photographs to students prior to showing them, and confront the benefits and potential harm of sharing a photograph that students may find disturbing.

Length of Lesson: 2 class periods with an ongoing journal project for 5 days to 1 month.

About the Author: Sebastian Byers teaches Earth and Environmental Science, AP Biology and AP Environmental Science. He is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh and received his teaching certification from UNC Charlotte. He obtained his Masters in Educational Leadership from Queens University of Charlotte and is a Master Teacher Trainer with UNCTV. He is a 2018 PBS Digital Innovator All-Star and has co-hosted multiple Virtual Professional Learning Series with PBS.