Teaching Hard History Text Library
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Welcome to the Teaching Hard History Text Library. This collection includes more than 100 primary sources selected to support robust teaching and learning about the Key Concepts and Summary Objectives found in A Framework for Teaching American Slavery. The texts are also mapped to the four domains of the Social Justice Standards. Each includes a set of text-dependent questions.

Text Type
Grade Level
Social Justice Domain
Subject

155 Texts

Informational

John Quincy Adams to the Inhabitants of the 12th Congressional District

A letter written by John Quincy Adams to the 12th Congressional District regarding the use of the "Gag Rule" to prevent him from reading petitions by enslaved people on the floor of the House of Representatives. Adams argues that the Gag Rule is a violation of petitioners' rights, and to ignore this violation would endanger the rights of all Americans.
by
John Quincy Adams
Grade Level
Topic
Subject
History
Social Justice Domain
February 20, 2018
Informational

John Brown's Speech to the Court at His Trial

John Brown was charged with murder, insurrection and treason after the raid on Harpers Ferry. After being found guilty and while awaiting his sentencing, he was asked if there was any reason he should not be given the death sentence. He responded with this speech.
by
John Brown
Grade Level
Subject
Civics
History
Social Justice Domain
November 2, 2015
Visual

S. L. Jones Searching for Relatives

This advertisement, published in the Southwestern Christian Advocate in 1883, was included in the "Lost Friends" section of the newspaper. Advertisements like this were published after emancipation by African Americans seeking their relatives. Families of enslaved people were often separated during enslavement. Here, S. L. Jones searches for his or her relatives.
by
S. L. Jones
Grade Level
6-8
Topic
Subject
History
Social Justice Domain
September 4, 2018
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A map of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana and Mississippi with overlaid images of key state symbols and of people in community

Learning for Justice in the South

When it comes to investing in racial justice in education, we believe that the South is the best place to start. If you’re an educator, parent or caregiver, or community member living and working in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana or Mississippi, we’ll mail you a free introductory package of our resources when you join our community and subscribe to our magazine.

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