Carole Boston Weatherford: Using Black Music & Children's Literature To Teach Social Justice

Book Summary
Bayard Rustin, a significant yet underrecognized figure in the Civil Rights Movement, is the subject of Carole Boston Weatherford and Rob Sanders's "A Song for the Unsung." This richly illustrated picture book biography highlights Rustin's crucial role in organizing the renowned March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom on August 28, 1963, where a quarter of a million activists gathered to demand racial and economic justice for Black Americans. Rustin, a gay African American man, not only helped orchestrate this historic event but also introduced Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to the principles of nonviolent protest, which he had learned from his Quaker grandmother, his experiences as a conscientious objector during World War II, and his travels to India to study Gandhi's teachings.

The narrative, complemented by Byron McCray's evocative collages incorporating acrylics, newspaper scraps, music, and decorated papers, captures the essence of the era's widespread turmoil and the grand "mosaic of Americans" at the march. This book not only highlights Bayard Rustin's pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement but also enriches the narrative with a playlist of spirituals and civil rights protest songs, reflecting the era's powerful musical traditions that galvanized and united activists. Notable backmatter includes an image of the march’s official program and an excerpted history of peaceful protest. "A Song for the Unsung" serves as an inspiring tribute to Rustin’s enduring legacy and his significant contributions to advancing the Civil Rights Movement.

Understanding Bayard Rustin's essential contributions to the Civil Rights Movement, particularly his role in organizing the March on Washington and his commitment to nonviolence, will provide valuable context for readers of "A Song for the Unsung," deepening the appreciation of his significant yet often underrecognized impact. Here are some background knowledge ideas related to the book:

• Washington Monument: A towering obelisk on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., honoring George Washington, the first President of the United States.
• Bayard Rustin: A key organizer of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom in 1963, a close advisor to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and a proponent of nonviolent protest.
• Quaker Values:Principles such as pacifism, equality, simplicity, and integrity that guide the beliefs and actions of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers).
• NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People): A civil rights organization founded in 1909 to fight for the rights and equality of African Americans.
• Spirituals/Negro Spirituals: Religious songs originating among African American slaves, often expressing hope, resilience, and a longing for freedom.
• Nonviolence:  A philosophy and strategy for social change that rejects the use of physical violence, exemplified by figures like Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
• Gandhi: An Indian leader who employed nonviolent civil disobedience to lead India to independence from British rule, influencing civil rights leaders worldwide.
• Civil Rights:The rights of individuals to receive equal treatment and be free from discrimination based on race, gender, disability, etc.
• A. Philip Randolph: A prominent labor leader and civil rights activist who organized the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters and co-organized the March on Washington.
• Lincoln Memorial: A national monument in Washington, D.C., honoring President Abraham Lincoln, and the site of Dr. King's "I Have a Dream" speech.
• Montgomery Bus Boycott:  A pivotal civil rights protest in 1955-1956 against racial segregation on public buses in Montgomery, Alabama, sparked by Rosa Parks' arrest.
• Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.: A Baptist minister and civil rights leader who advocated for nonviolent resistance to achieve racial equality and justice.
• Civil Rights Movement: A decades-long struggle, primarily during the 1950s and 1960s, aimed at ending racial discrimination and achieving equal rights for African Americans.
• Joan Baez:  A folk singer and activist known for her support of the civil rights movement and her performances at various civil rights events.
• Mahalia Jackson:A renowned gospel singer whose powerful voice and songs became anthems of the civil rights movement, including her performance at the March on Washington.
• Civil Rights Act of 1964: Landmark U.S. legislation that outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin and ended segregation in public places.

Primary Discussion Question

• Bayard Rustin's Role: What was Bayard Rustin's role in the Civil Rights Movement, and why do you think his contributions are important?
• The March on Washington: Why was the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom significant? What did people hope to achieve by participating in this march?
• Nonviolent Protest: Bayard Rustin believed strongly in nonviolent protest. What does nonviolence mean, and why do you think it was an effective strategy during the Civil Rights Movement?
• Musical Influence: How did Bayard Rustin's background in music influence his work as a civil rights activist? Why do you think music was important during protests and marches?
• Quaker Values: Bayard Rustin was influenced by Quaker values such as peace and equality. How do you think these values shaped his approach to activism?
• Equality and Justice: Why do you think Bayard Rustin and others fought for equal rights and justice during the Civil Rights Movement? Why are these values important?
• Impact Today: How do you think Bayard Rustin's work continues to impact our society today? Are there examples of movements or protests that have been influenced by his ideas?
• Personal Reflection: If you could ask Bayard Rustin one question about his life and work, what would it be and why?

Secondary Discussion Question

• How did Bayard Rustin's background and experiences, such as his Quaker upbringing and time spent with Gandhi's followers in India, influence his leadership style and strategies within the Civil Rights Movement?
• Bayard Rustin was a key organizer of the March on Washington. What organizational challenges did he face, and how did he overcome them to make the march successful?
• Compare and contrast Bayard Rustin's contributions to the Civil Rights Movement with those of other prominent leaders, such as Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, and A. Philip Randolph.
• Bayard Rustin faced challenges and controversies throughout his life, including criticism for his sexual orientation. How did these challenges impact his activism, and how did he navigate them?
• Discuss Bayard Rustin's legacy and his impact on civil rights activism beyond the 1960s. In what ways did his ideas and strategies influence subsequent social movements?
• Bayard Rustin was a gay African American man who advocated for racial equality and LGBTQ+ rights at a time when both were highly controversial. How did his intersectional identity shape his experiences and contributions to the movement?
• Bayard Rustin strongly believed in nonviolent protest as a means of achieving social change. How did he apply principles of nonviolence in his activism, and what were the challenges and successes of this approach?
• Why do you think Bayard Rustin's contributions to the Civil Rights Movement were initially underrecognized? How has recognition of his role evolved over time, and what factors contributed to this change?

Let's delve into the cultural and historical significance of civil rights protest songs with these thought-provoking questions that explore their themes, impact, and enduring legacy in advocating for justice and equality.

• Historical Context:
  What role did music, particularly protest songs, play in the Civil Rights Movement? How did these songs contribute to the movement's goals and message?
• Themes and Messages:
  Analyze the lyrics of a civil rights protest song of your choice. What themes and messages are conveyed? How do these themes relate to the goals of the movement?
• Impact and Influence:
  How did civil rights protest songs like "We Shall Overcome" and "A Change Is Gonna Come" influence public perception and support for the movement? Discuss specific examples.
• Musical Traditions:
  Civil rights protest songs often drew from African American musical traditions like spirituals and gospel music. How did these musical styles contribute to the emotional and spiritual impact of the songs?
• Unity and Solidarity:
  Many civil rights protest songs were sung collectively during marches and demonstrations. How did singing together contribute to a sense of unity and solidarity among activists?
• Evolution and Continuation:
  How have civil rights protest songs evolved over time? Are there contemporary songs or artists that continue the tradition of using music as a form of social and political protest?
• Comparative Analysis:
  Compare civil rights protest songs with protest songs from other social movements (e.g., women's rights, LGBTQ+ rights). In what ways do they share common themes and strategies, and how do they differ?
• Personal Reflection:
  If you were to write a civil rights protest song today, what themes and messages would you include? How would you use music to advocate for social change in your own words?

These questions encourage students to explore the cultural, emotional, and political significance of civil rights protest songs, fostering a deeper understanding of their role in advocating for justice and equality during the Civil Rights Movement and beyond.

Here are some additional K-12 classroom activities that can help students learn more about Bayard Rustin & Civil Rights protest songs.

For Elementary Students (K-5):

1. Storytime and Discussion:
Read a children's book about Bayard Rustin, such as "A Song for the Unsung," and discuss his contributions to the Civil Rights Movement. Encourage students to share their thoughts on why Rustin's work was important.

2. Create a Timeline:
Have students create a timeline of Bayard Rustin's life and key events in the Civil Rights Movement. Include illustrations and captions to highlight significant moments like the March on Washington.

3. Sing-along of Civil Rights Songs:
Teach students popular civil rights protest songs like "We Shall Overcome" or "When The Saints Go Marching In." Discuss the meaning of the lyrics and encourage students to sing along, fostering a sense of unity and historical connection.

For Middle School Students (6-8):

4. Biographical Research Project:
Assign students to research Bayard Rustin's life, including his upbringing, activism, and key achievements. Have them create a presentation or write a report summarizing their findings.

5. Analyzing Protest Songs:
Provide students with lyrics from different civil rights protest songs. Ask them to analyze the themes, messages, and historical context of each song. Discuss how music was used as a tool for social change during the Civil Rights Movement.

6. Role-play Historical Events:
Divide students into groups to role-play key moments in Bayard Rustin's life or the Civil Rights Movement, such as organizing the March on Washington or participating in a sit-in. Encourage them to research their roles and present their scenes to the class.

For High School Students (9-12):

7. Debate on Nonviolent Protest:
Organize a classroom debate on the effectiveness of nonviolent protest, using Bayard Rustin's advocacy as a focal point. Assign students roles as proponents and opponents of nonviolence, and encourage them to support their arguments with historical evidence.

8. Music and Social Movements Analysis:
 Explore the impact of music in social movements beyond the Civil Rights Movement. Have students research and compare protest songs from different eras and movements (e.g., anti-war protests, LGBTQ+ rights). Discuss common themes and strategies used in these songs.

9. Creative Expression Project:
 Challenge students to create their own civil rights protest song or artwork inspired by Bayard Rustin's principles and the themes of justice and equality. Encourage them to reflect on contemporary issues and express their ideas through music, poetry, or visual art.

These activities aim to engage students at different grade levels in learning about Bayard Rustin's legacy and the role of civil rights protest songs in advocating for social justice and equality throughout history.

Byron McCray is a versatile freelance illustrator, graphic designer, and author based in Brooklyn, New York. His work is deeply influenced by his passion for music and a profound appreciation for the diverse history of black culture. McCray's mixed media paintings, which blend acrylics with elements like scraps of newspaper and decorated papers, have garnered acclaim from the Fort Greene Association, Art Students League of New York, and numerous publications. He has been commissioned by local artists and esteemed organizations such as the Movement Theatre Company and the National Black Theatre, as well as major recording labels including Universal Music Group and Motown Records, showcasing his ability to merge visual storytelling with musical and cultural narratives.

Visual Literacy Questions

Illustrative Techniques:

• How does illustrator Byron McCray use mixed media, such as acrylics, newspaper scraps, and decorated papers, to depict Bayard Rustin's life and the events of the March on Washington in "A Song for the Unsung"?
• Character Portrayal
  Describe the visual portrayal of Bayard Rustin in the illustrations. How do his expressions and body language convey his role as an organizer and leader in the Civil Rights Movement?
• Setting and Atmosphere
  Analyze the illustrations of the March on Washington. How does Byron McCray capture the atmosphere of unity and diversity among the demonstrators? What details in the background enhance the depiction of this historic event?
• Symbolism and Visual Metaphors:
  Identify any symbols or visual metaphors used by Byron McCray in the illustrations. How do these elements contribute to the overall message and themes of "A Song for the Unsung"?
• Color and Mood:
  Discuss the use of color in the illustrations. How does the color palette chosen by Byron McCray evoke emotions and enhance the storytelling of Bayard Rustin's journey and achievements?
• Comparative Analysis:
  Compare Byron McCray's illustrations of Bayard Rustin with other visual representations of civil rights leaders in children's literature or historical artwork. What similarities and differences do you notice, and how do they influence your understanding of Rustin's legacy?
• Historical Accuracy:
  Based on the illustrations in "A Song for the Unsung," how accurately do you think Byron McCray depicts the historical events and settings related to Bayard Rustin and the Civil Rights Movement? Support your answer with specific examples from the artwork.
• Personal Response:
  How do Byron McCray's illustrations in "A Song for the Unsung" enhance your understanding and appreciation of Bayard Rustin's contributions to the Civil Rights Movement? What emotions or thoughts do the visuals evoke for you as a viewer?

These questions are designed to help students develop their visual literacy skills by critically analyzing the artwork in "A Song for the Unsung," connecting visual elements with historical context and thematic messages related to Bayard Rustin's life and legacy.