Teaching students about Allen West Alcatraz is an important part of American history education. Alcatraz Island, located in the San Francisco Bay, was home to a federal prison from 1934 until 1963. During this time, the prison housed some of the most dangerous criminals in the country, including notorious gangsters like Al Capone and “Machine Gun” Kelly.
However, there is a lesser-known story about Allen West and his Alcatraz experience that is important to share with students.
West was a member of the Sioux tribe, and in 1970, he led a group of Native American protesters in a takeover of Alcatraz. They claimed the island as their own, and demanded that it be turned into a cultural and educational center for Native Americans.
The occupation lasted 19 months, and during that time, West and his fellow protesters made a number of demands. These included the return of tribal land, the end of treaties that were not being upheld, and an increased focus on Native American rights and representation in government.
The Alcatraz occupation was a watershed moment for the Native American civil rights movement, and it had a lasting impact on American society. It gave Native Americans a voice in national politics and brought attention to their long-standing struggles for equality and justice.
Teaching students about Allen West and the Alcatraz occupation is an important part of promoting empathy and understanding for marginalized communities. By learning about the challenges that Native Americans have faced and continue to face, students can gain a deeper appreciation for the importance of diversity and inclusion.
There are many resources available for educators who want to teach their students about the Alcatraz occupation. One option is to use primary sources from the time period, including newspaper articles and interviews with West and other protesters.
Another option is to incorporate film and other multimedia resources into the curriculum. There are several documentaries that focus on the Alcatraz occupation, including “Alcatraz is Not An Island” and “We Hold the Rock.” These films can help students better understand the context and significance of the occupation.
In addition, it is important to provide students with opportunities for discussion and reflection. Encouraging them to think critically about the events surrounding the occupation and to consider how they can help support Native American rights and representation can be a powerful way to promote empathy and understanding.
