A Civil Rights Museum for Atlanta

• Introduction
• Task
• Process
• Evaluation
• Conclusion
• Credits


• Teacher Page

by Rhonda Mitchell, University Of Georgia

This is an introduction to the Civil Rights Movement in the United States and more specifically Atlanta. It is intended for upper elementary students. Students participate in a cooperative learning group to research the Civil Rights Movement in Atlanta and write a recommendation to the mayor regarding the location and purpose of the proposed Civil Rights Museum.

Introduction

The Coca-Cola Co. has just donated land near the new Georgia Aquarium to the city of Atlanta.  Mayor Shirley Franklin proposes that the land is used to build a civil rights museum that will hold the very important papers of the movement's father, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  But what about The King Center and Sweet Auburn?  They have been the heart of the civil rights movement in Atlanta for years.  Dr. King was born there and has been laid to rest in the same community.  Is there any reason a civil rights museum would be located in another part of Atlanta?  This is a question Mayor Franklin would like you to help her answer.  Take on the role of an expert to provide the mayor with a recommendation for the museum.