Black History and Women’s History Months remind us each year to never take our human rights for granted. The legacies of the men and women who dedicated their lives to the fight for such liberties live on through our deliberate recognition.

Frederick Douglass served as an author, abolitionist and statesman; Phillis Wheatley, became the first African-American published poet in America during the Revolutionary era; Mahalia Jackson was the “Queen of Gospel” and used her talents to aid in the Civil Rights Movement; Juliette Low supported the individual spirit of young women throughout the country in founding the Girl Scouts; and Amelia Earhart inspired all women as she ignored social criticism in her realization of her aviation dreams.

In honot of Black History Month , here is a classroom activity from the Frederick Douglass, Young Defender of Human Rights Teacher’s Guide:

Names of prominent figures in American history are scattered throughout the book. These include Patrick Henry, William Pitt, William Lloyd Garrison, and Thomas Jefferson. Have students research these individuals and determine why they think Fred admired them.

Find the complete Teacher’s Guide and Webquest here.