Questions for Your Teachers/Professors to Answer

1. “Why weren’t we taught that thousands of Black soldiers fought in the American Revolution?”Students want to know why figures like Crispus Attucks, Peter Salem, and James Armistead Lafayette are missing from most textbooks.2. “If Black soldiers fought for freedom in 1776, why did slavery continue for almost 100 more years?”This question forces teachers to address the contradiction between American ideals and American reality.3. “Why did the 54th Massachusetts have to fight for equal pay even while risking their lives in the Civil War?”Students recognize injustice and want to understand how racism operated inside the Union Army.4. “How could the Harlem Hellfighters be heroes in WWI but face lynching and segregation when they came home?”This question highlights the brutal gap between military honor and civilian racism.5. “Why were Black WWII veterans denied GI Bill benefits and blocked from buying homes because of racial covenants?”Students want to understand how federal policy helped create the racial wealth gap.6. “Why were so many Black soldiers sent to frontline combat in Vietnam, and why did they return to the same racism they left behind?”This question connects military service to civil rights struggles of the 1960s and 70s.7. “If Black Americans served in every war up to Iraq and Afghanistan, why are their contributions still left out of class discussions?”For the lesson plan for this episode email: [email protected]; 773-809-8594 or [email protected]