Social Studies Extended Response 1

In 1969 the students in Des Moines Independent Community School got suspended for protesting the Vietnam War by wearing black arm bands. The students that wore the arm bands should have not been suspended from school because they did no wrong. In the First Amendment it states that we have the right to freedom of speech. That’s why the courts sided with the students. They felt that the students did no wrong by wearing the arm bands do to the fact that they did not harm any students nor staff with this protest.

If the situation was different, say like if the student’s protest was violent, harming or threatening to staff and other students, then that’s when the school officials may prohibit student conduct when it comes to this type of protesting.

Another Social Studies Extened Response 1

This case explores the concept of freedom of speech, the students decided to wear arm bands to protest the Vietnam War. Students thought it would be a way to handle the protest against stopping the war without being disruptive. Instructors of the school committee thought it would bring attention so they suspended the students and the case went to the courts.

   The court verdict gave them the opportunity to wear their arm bands during school sessions as a way of freedom of speech. For example the students peacefully expressed their opinion. They didn’t come in the classrooms and began to shout “stop the war”.  Students should have the same rights equally. Also the school should have been flexible with their decisions to suspend them.  There were other options like detention, parent/ teacher conferences and volunteer to keep the students from being suspended. 

Social Studies Extended Response 1

There were three students suspended from school for wearing arm bands to protest the Vietnam War. Also, the court found that school officials acted unconstitutionally in suppressing the students’ freedom speech rights. School officials may limit student conduct which “materially disrupts or involves disorder in the classroom.” This case did not allow them to express their freedom of speech.

            I personally feel that the three students should not have gotten suspended for wearing arm bands to protest the Vietnam War. Wearing their arm bands didn’t cause any problems at school, nor was it violent in any way. In addition, the first amendment states that the people have a right to peaceably to assemble. For example, the arm bands were a symbol of their opinions, getting the attention of their peers, and protesting for the war. This should not be seen as an issue because they were showing their opinion silently.

The March on Washington 1963

Did you ever wonder what happened in the Civil Right era? I wrote my report on the March on Washington, and it changed everything for every African American in every corner of the world.

         The March on Washington occurred in the summer of 1963, shortly after the Birmingham Campaign, which was an effort to break segregation in the largest urban areas. Over 200,000 African Americans marched to Washington where Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his famous "I have a Dream" speech on August 28, 1963. As a result, the March on Washington is credited for creating a political platform for African Americans to finally have the Civil and Voting Rights in the mid-1960s.

          In 1963, racism was everywhere. Very few white and black got along. They even had separate washrooms, drinking fountains, schools, and stores. If you were an African American on the bus with Caucasians and you were sitting down and they weren’t, you had to give up your seat and move to the back. Blacks were beaten by White citizens and even the police, and they never got justice. Even judges were racist. Blacks couldn’t even vote, nor could they work, and they were getting fed up. In the winter of 1962, Martin Luther King Jr. asked President John F. Kennedy to release a new, fair Emancipation Proclamation, but the president disagreed and caused the March on Washington to begin.

          In the summer of 1961, a man named Philip Randolph decided to get 100,000 African Americans to circle around the Capitol, but some disagreed due to the fact that they feared what the government would do in retaliation. But, Franklin D. Roosevelt ended up signing the Executive Order 8802 which forced racist whites to open the job market to black people. Since the job market was now opened, Randolph decided the march wasn’t necessary. On August 28, 1963, 200,000+ demonstrators marched to Washington to Lincoln’s Monument for the 3^rd anniversary of Brown V. Board of Education and they had a prayer pilgrimage, and it is also the same day King delivered his “I Have a Dream” speech.

          As a result, King met up with President Kennedy and Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson at the white house where they discussed a need for two parties to support civil rights. Even though it wasn’t passed until President Kennedy died, which was the Civil Rights of 1964 and Voting Rights Act of 1965.

Brown V. Board

Can you imagine having to walk several miles just to get to school, when there’s a school directly across the street from where you live? African Americans had to do this for a very long time, until The Brown V. Board of Education was passed in 1954. This paper will discuss the causes and effect of the Brown V. Board of Education case and the effort to end desegregation.

Even after slaves were free and were able to vote, there was still segregation. Due to the Jim Crow Laws, blacks and whites weren’t able to use the same public facilities, ride the same buses and attend the same schools. During this time blacks were poor, with not enough books for learning with a class seating 40-50 students a class. The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) tried to persuade congress and other legislative bodies to enact laws that would protect from lynching and other racist activity

Oliver Brown of Topeka, Kansas, was the father of Linda Brown. Linda Brown had been denied from a school just five blocks away from her home and had to travel a long way to attend school where she was accepted, because of her race. Oliver Brown decided to sue the school district of Topeka, Kansas to end segregation. The case started in 1952, was heard and then eventually elevated to the supreme courts. The Supreme Court came to a unanimous decision to end segregation in public schools.

In 1954, The Brown V. Board of Education case was solved. There would be no more segregation within the schools; those cases were handled by NAACP and Thurgood Marshall. Kenneth Clark argued that segregated school systems made black children feel lower than white children and felt that, that shouldn’t been allowed. After the attorney generals of the states failed to desegregate schools quickly enough, the Supreme Court was forced to come up with a plan on how to do it in 1955. This ruling became known as Brown II

In conclusion, traveling far just to attend school had finally ended. I was able to attend schools where ever I wanted. Several laws were even passed; there would be no more segregation between whites and blacks. Everyone was to be treated equal under the law.

Monique 10/23/14

Cotton Gin

Have you ever wondered how we are able to get the things we use daily made of cotton, don’t worry here’s the answer!

 The creation of the cotton gin is important because it helped the farmers separate the seed from the cotton. This was a difficult thing to do because the seeds were buried inside of the cotton. Eli Whitney realized that the slaves had a difficult time picking the seeds from the cotton bolls. He accepted an invitation to stay with Catherine Greene who was the widow of an American Revolutionary War general near Savannah Georgia. While there Whitney learned of the production of cotton, and how the farmers faced hard times making a living not being able to pick the cotton faster. He decided to put together a simple invention to make it easier for the slaves to separate the seed from the cotton bolls in a shorter amount of time. Whitney worked on getting a patent for his invention that he planned to build and install throughout the south. The production of cotton increased in the south. The number of slaves and need for them also increased in the United States. This was all brought about because, in 1794, Eli Whitney patented a very simple machine, the cotton gin.

The farmers were excited about the idea of Whitney’s invention that could improve the production of cotton surprising, since they had no intentions sharing any of their percentage or profits with him. So, Whitney found out in that time the patent laws had loopholes that would make it hard to protect his rights as an inventor. However, the cotton gin still transformed and increased the production of cotton in the American economy.

The production of cotton increased in the south which made cotton a cash crop by 1860. The number of slaves in the United States had increased. Although the cotton gin made the process less labor-intensive, Farmers earned more profits which led to grow larger crops which required more slaves were a cheaper form of labor. The southern economy depended on cotton and slavery, and continued to hold onto their social order. However, the northerners focused more on industry than agriculture, which in turn made a difference in the two economies. Whitney had no idea that his invention would affect slavery in a negative way.

    This paper is about the importance of Eli Whitney’s invention of the cotton gin. As a result of Whitney’s invention of the cotton gin, today we have many things made from cotton.

Gloria 10/23/14

Admiring Nycole

I grew up living with my grandmother and aunt. My aunt was more like a sister to me. She was a provider for me in every way possible. She loved and protected me like I was her child. We argued, fought, laughed, cried and everything in between. For those reasons and more is why I admire my aunt.

Growing up whenever I needed anything she made sure I had it. If I needed someone to talk to about anything, she was my go to person. When I found out I was pregnant and scared to tell my mother or grandmother, I told my aunt. She told me not to worry and that she would help me with anything I needed help with. My grandmother would have advised I get rid of my child… something I didn’t want to do. When I was upset about something and didn’t have anyone to take my frustration out on, because I’m the only child, she was the only person I had to argue with. If I was hungry she cooked, I needed personals, clothes, and shoes etc. she brought them. She made sure I didn’t want or need for anything. She was my provider and everything to me all in one.

Even though she isn’t my biological mother she cared for me like she was. Something dealing with school that required a parent being present, she was the parent that came to the school. Telling me the ways of life and what to expect as an adult, she did that as well. She kept me from the wrong people, so I wouldn’t go down the wrong paths. In high school, I was arrested and given a ten day suspension for fighting with a classmate. She always told me “the people you think is your friend are not.” I found that to be true after that incident. I think naturally a person would have a mother’s instinct after caring and being around someone from birth until adulthood.

After her passing, I didn’t realize the impact she had on my life. I have never worked as hard or been as independent as I am now. I learned not to hold grudges. For instance, the day before she passed I was mad at her, and I went to her house cursed her out and left… That night she was rushed to the hospital and died at 9:38 pm, which was too soon for me to apologize, because now she’s gone. When she passed a big part of me left as well. As much as she got on my nerves when she was living it wrecking my nerves when she passed.

She provided for me. She showed me a mother’s love and taught me how to love someone else. For those reasons and more is why I admire my aunt. She was a very free hearted person. After her departure, I realized that you really never know what you have until it’s gone.

Shanell

When I Choose a Husband

When I choose a husband, he would have to meet certain criteria. First, he would need to be good looking. He would have to have a good job, and he has to be able to accept my kids into his life too, not just me because we come as package. Also, he is going to have a good personality, he has to be patient and kind and interesting to talk to. He will like going places as a family and doing things with us, like going to meet each other’s family and things like that. I want a fun husband. He will have to like to go out to eat and go to amusement parks together and just do things as a family.

Takeya

Mr. Henten

I admire Mr. Henten. He is a pastor of a big church in Chicago. When someone is concerned about the well being of others he/she is very special person. He knows that there are many people in need, and he said if there’s anything he could do for them, God would bless him for whatever he could help with. Mr. Henten is someone who many people would like to know. He gets information from different organizations to give people that need help. Whatever he can do, he will. He believes that people will not have money all the time, and he will not either. He likes to make people laugh too; he makes funny, but clean jokes. I admire Mr. Henten because he is patient with people, caring, and funny.

Mr. Henten is a very patient person. When going to different churches he does not mind waiting. When someone wants to talk about something, he listens to make sure he understands. He waits until they finish. He doesn’t mind waiting for people that has to go to the doctors’ office. I admire Mr. Henten, because his patience encourages me to be more patient.                            

Mr. Henten is a very caring person. He is caring because he helps people in need of different kinds of services, people who do not have any one else to help them. Like people who need food to feed their families. He cares about people who need housing. He helps with finding them a place to live. I admire Mr. Henten because he cares about other people having the things they really need.  

Mr. Henten is a very funny person. He likes to tell funny, but clean jokes to make his friends laugh. He twists his words around to see if his friends understand. He also likes to surprise them with funny gifts. He thinks the funny gifts will make then happy. Mr. Henten encourages me to want to laugh more often by the way he treats his friends.                                                                                                           

I admire Mr. Henten because he is a patient, caring, and very funny person. When dealing with other people he is special. He goes out of his way for them. He says that God will bless him for the things he does for others. I will always admire.

Annie

The History of Shauntrell

January 22, 2007 was the day I found out that you would be a part of my life. I had no clue if you were a boy or girl. I was feeling all types of emotions in one. To my surprise, you were a baby boy. I came to the realization that you were a blessing. Nine months later… September 4, 2007, you were born at 8:38 pm. I didn’t have a clue of how to be a mother, let alone a good one. Every day I would ask you and God to “bear with me” and give me the patience and strength to get to know you and the ability to be the best mother I can.

You started walking, then talking. The first time I heard you say “mommy,” I knew then my prayers were answered. When I heard the words, “I Love You,” come from a person so small, I felt so proud of myself to have accomplished being a mother. Not knowing anything about you and learning everything about you. Even still you said those three words, “I Love You”.

Now it’s time to prepare you for the world outside of “Mommy”. I enrolled you in school. You weren’t ready for that, but I had faith in you. You cried your eyes out. I knew that was going to be temporary because you had never left my side before. Now you have grown into a smart, energetic, responsible, outspoken little boy whom I love more than life itself. Ironically, I was given the privilege of you being mine.

Shanell

Maya Angelou

Maya Angelou was hailed as a global renaissance woman. She was a celebrated poet, memoirist, novelist, educator, dramatist, producer, actress, historian, filmmaker, and civil rights activist. She was born on April 4, 1928 in St Louis, Missouri. She grew up in Stamps, Arkansas. Maya Angelou experienced the brutality of racial discrimination. She also absorbed the unshakable faith and values of traditional African American family community and culture as a teenager.

Dr. Angelou loved arts.  So, she won her scholarship to study dance and drama at San Francisco.  As a  laborer, at 14, she dropped out to become San Francisco’s first African American female cable car conductor.  A few weeks after graduation, she finished high school giving birth to her son Guy.  As a young single mother she supported her son by working as a waitress and cook. However, her passion for music, dance, performance, and poetry would soon take center stage. 

Maya Angelou read and she also studied and mastered French, Spanish, Italian and Arabic.  While in Ghana, she met Malcolm X.   In 1964, she returned to American to help Malcolm X build his new organization of African American unity.  After she arrived in the United States, Malcolm X was assassinated and his organization dissolved. 

Maya Angelou served as northern coordinator for the southern Christian leadership conference.  Maya began on her book that would become I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings, which was published in 1970.  Also, it  was published to  international acclaim.  Maya appeared on television and films, including the landmark television adaption of Alex Haley's Roots.  President Clinton requested Maya to compose a poem to read at his inauguration in 1933.  Maya Angelou read her poem “On the Pulse of the Morning”.  It was broadcast live around the world.  Maya also won awards of arts in 2000 and the Lincoln medal in 2008.

Takeya

Who Is Barack H. Obama?

Barack Hussein Obama was born on August 4, 1961 in Honolulu, Hawaii.  Barack’s first name means “Blessed’’ in Swahili, an African language. Barack was his father’s name too, but neither of the baby’s parents called him Barack he was always “Barry”. Barry’s father was from Kenya, a country in Africa. His mother’s name was Stanley Ann Dunham, but she was known as Ann to her friends. Barry was an outsider for most of his life because he didn’t have a lot of money.

In 1992, he married Michelle and eventually had two beautiful daughters. Their names are Malia and Natasha (Sasha). Barry accomplished many things like writing a book titled The Audacity of Hope, being sworn as an Illinois senator, and being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.

Barack H. Obama became our 44^th president of the United States on January 20, 2009!

Nichole

My New Husband

If you were choosing a new husband, wife, or partner, what criteria would you have?

Meeting my new husband will be the best thing ever! My husband and I will both have finished school, working to earn money and have a big beautiful home with a car. The criteria of my new husband are he must be very strong and in good health as well as me and of course very handsome. My husband must have patience with children. Going to church every Sunday is a constant thing for me, so therefore my husband must be willing to go to service with me without it being a problem.

A Direct Message

Have you ever been given credit for something you didn’t do? How did you feel? What happen? There was a time in 5^th grade when I was acknowledged for writing a story that wasn’t mine. I felt bad because the story wasn’t mine and I got credit for someone else’s work. The teacher came into the room, read the story to the class and when he finished he told the class he had expected for everyone’s story to be similar to the one he read. There was a beginning, middle and end. The writer was very specific about things that went on in the story. The spelling and grammar were perfect. After the teacher finished reading the story, I spoke with the teacher and told him it wasn’t my story, but I help my friend create it. So the credit shouldn’t only be given to me, but to my friend as well.

Harriet Tubman

Name: Harriet Tubman

Occupation: Civil rights activist

Birthday: 1820

Death day: March 10, 1913

Place of birth: Dorchester County, Maryland

Place of death: Auburn, New York

Originally: Armanda Harriet Ross

Nicknames: Minty, Moses, General Tubman

Harriet Tubman escaped slavery to become a leading abolitionist. She led hundreds of enslaved people to freedom along the route of the Underground Railroad. Harriet Tubman was an American bond woman who escaped from slavery in the south to become a leading abolitionist before the American Civil war. In 1861, The Civil war broke out between the northern and the southern States. John Andrew the governor of Massachusetts asked Harriet Tubman to work for the union army. John Andrew knew about Harriet Tubman as a slave. Before Harriet Tubman’s death she knew she wasn’t going to get well because of the pneumonia she had.   

  

Madam CJ Walker

Madam CJ Walker was born near Delta, Louisiana on December 23, 1867. Her birth name was Sarah Breedlove. Her parent’s Owen and Minerva were freed slaves and died from unknown causes. Sarah was the 5^th child and was the first in her family to be free born. Sarah became an orphan at the age of 7 when her parents died. She was sent to live with her sister Louivina and her brother in law. They all moved to Vicksburg, Mississippi in 1877 where she picked cotton and was likely employed doing house hold work. 

Sarah got married to a man name Moses McWilliam and gave birth to a daughter name A’Lei, Moses died 2 years later. Madam and her daughter moved to St. Louis where Sarah her brothers were established as barbers. There Sarah had found work as a washerwoman earning $1.50 a day, enough to send her daughter to a city public school. While in St. Louis, Sarah met her second husband Charles J. Walker, who was known as a big time advertiser. He helped Sarah promote her hair products.

In 1890’s Sarah developed a scalp disorder that caused her to loose much of her hair and she began to experiment with both home and store bought remedies. In 1905, Madam was hired as a commission agent by Annie Turbine Malone (a successful, black hair care product entrepreneur) and moved to Denver, Colorado. Charles j Walker helped her create advertisement for hair care products use for African Americans. Charles J.  Walker  encourage  Sarah to use the more recognizable name Madam CJ Walker by which she was there after known as. In 1907, Walker and her husband traveled around the south and the southeast promoting her products and giving lectures demonstrations on her, involving her own formula for pomade brushing and the use of heated combs. In 1908, Walker opened a factory and a beauty school in Pittsburg. In 1910, Walker transferred her business operation to Indianapolis. The Madam CJ. Walker Manufacturing Company had become wildly successful with profits that were modern day. The company also trained sales beauticians.

The Walker agents became well known throughout the black communities of the United States, they promoted Walker philosophy of “cleanliness and loveliness” as a mean of advancing the status of African Americans. In 1919, Madam CJ Walker died in Irvington, Houston. Madam CJ Walker was best known for her hair care products and the straitening comb (hot comb). 

Monique