When teaching students about significant historical figures, it is equally important to explore the stories of lesser-known individuals who have had an impact on society. John Crawford is one such figure worth discussing in the classroom. In this article, we will outline a comprehensive guide on how to teach students about John Crawford, his life, and his contributions.
Background Information on John Crawford
John Crawford was an African American man who tragically lost his life in 2014. His death sparked widespread attention on police violence and racial profiling in the United States, furthering discussions around criminal justice reform and the Black Lives Matter movement. A crucial aspect of teaching students about John Crawford is understanding his story’s context.
Lesson 1: The Incident at Walmart
Crawford’s story began when he entered a Walmart store in Ohio to buy groceries and decided to carry a toy gun from the store shelves while talking on his phone. A customer reported a man holding a gun to the police, who arrived at the scene without verifying whether it was a real weapon or not. Consequently, Crawford was shot and killed while still holding the toy gun. This unfortunate event highlights the need for critical thinking, understanding racial bias, and examining law enforcement procedures.
Activity: Encourage students to research different perspectives surrounding this incident through news articles, interviews with witnesses or family members, and legal statements.
Lesson 2: Reactions and Protests
After John Crawford’s death, people began protesting against police brutality and racial profiling across the country. Although Crawford’s case did not get as much attention as some other high-profile incidents related to racial bias in law enforcement, it still played a role in raising public awareness around these issues.
Activity: Invite your students to watch videos and read articles or opinion pieces related to protests that followed John Crawford’s case. Ask them to analyze these reactions by considering factors such as geographical location, race, and economic status.
Lesson 3: Black Lives Matter & Criminal Justice Reform
John Crawford’s story is closely linked to the Black Lives Matter movement and the larger discussion around criminal justice reform in the United States. Teach students how Crawford’s death contributed to the growth of this movement and inspired further discussions on social change.
Activity: Organize a debate or panel discussion among students on specific topics within criminal justice reform, such as racial profiling, police accountability, and community-based policing methods.
Lesson 4: Remembering John Crawford
Teaching students about John Crawford means understanding how his life and tragic death can be remembered to ensure that similar incidents do not occur in the future. By exploring ways to honor his memory, students can engage in conversations about social change and justice.
Activity: Ask students to create short essays or multimedia projects proposing ideas for a memorial artwork or tribute honoring John Crawford. Discuss their proposals within the class and encourage them to share their thoughts on how these memorials can contribute to long-lasting changes in society.
Conclusion
Teaching students about John Crawford not only provides an opportunity to discuss vital issues related to race, policing, and justice in America but also allows them to build empathy towards victims of such incidents. By engaging with these lessons, teachers will help foster critical thinking skills in students while encouraging them to become actively involved in their communities.
