Race in her lifetime

By Kristin Post

Provided by UNC Libraries / Documenting the American South

In this lesson, students will trace the life of Rebecca Clark, an African American who was born in rural Orange County just before the Depression and witnessed the changes in civil rights over the years. Students will gain empathy for the challenge African Americans faced in the South, even in what is considered a “liberal” or “progressive” town like Chapel Hill. They will also consider the election of Chapel Hill’s first black mayor, Howard Lee, and the importance of African American participation in the political process.

This lesson includes teacher’s guides as well as the oral history audio excerpts and transcripts.

• See the table of contents or begin reading: For teachers