Albert+Lutuli

** Instructional Ideas **: I think it is interesting to discuss the issue of segregation, slavery, apartheid, and discrimination as a global issue. Every continent on this planet has been affected in some way by at least one of these concerns, if not all of them. Equally important are the brave men and women who were willing to risk their lives to combat these obstacles. I would like to study this issue on many levels. First, I would like to research the affect on the world. We would specifically discuss the case of South Africa, and how its resolution is in part thanks to Lutuli. Next, we would narrow in on the United States. We would examine slavery and segregation, and how people like Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King Jr. affected change in the system. Finally, the scope would taper to our every day lives as an individual. We would share how we’ve experienced segregation, discrimination, and prejudice in our reality. We would also name people we know personally who work to end these practices. I think this would be a great way to make content applicable and relatable to students. I’d like to compare and contrast the people who have helped make the changes on each scale. We could use the internet, first-person sources, articles, and encyclopedias (depending on which level we’re examining) to ensure a variety of sources and maximum opportunity for learning about researching. I would also like to make a timeline of the history of apartheid in South America, as well as a timeline of Albert Lutuli’s life. The second timeline would include all accomplishments and achievements leading up to and following the awarding of his Nobel Peace Prize. We could then pair the timelines up and illustrate them. This would be great to hang around the room. Finally, I’d like to have the students write a letter to Lutuli. They will first determine their purpose, whether it is to thank him, evaluate his strategies and results, ask him questions, or anything else. In the last paragraph, however, students must include ways in which they plan to reduce discrimination and segregation in their own lives. I really want them to understand that it only takes one person, like Lutuli, to make a difference, and they can be that person.
 * Subject Matter Background **: South Africa is the southernmost country on the continent of Africa. It has a coastline of 1,739 miles that spans both the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. This already sets the stage for interesting geography-based teaching opportunities. South Africa has rich diversity concerning language and diversity. There are eleven officially recognized languages and a variety of ethnic groups. South Africa has the most racially diverse communities in all of Africa. Another interesting fact is that about one in four people in South Africa is unemployed and living in poverty. As for government, South Africa holds a constitutional democracy, more specifically, a parliamentary republic. Same-sex marriage was recently legalized throughout the entire country, making it the most populated country in the world to do so. However, not all of South Africa’s history is so bright: it was plagued by apartheid from 1948-1994. Apartheid is legal segregation based on race and was imposed by the national government. White people, although the minority, ruled and withheld rights from the non-white residents of South America. In comes the 1960 Nobel Peace Prize winner, Albert Lutuli. Originally a teacher, Lutuli became involved in the politics of South Africa, and was elected the president of the African National Congress. The ANC piloted resistance to both apartheid and the white minority-only government. Due to his non-violent opposition, Lutuli was the first African to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. He was also the first person from a continent other than Europe, North America, or South America. Though less known than other apartheid opponents, Lutuli should be appreciated for his determination for equality and refusal to succumb to violence.