- 1). Go beyond the story of slavery in America. In addition to discussing slavery of African-Americans, talk about other aspects of African-American history such as free blacks who owned small businesses during the Reconstruction era, which lasted from the mid 1860s through the 1870s. Or discuss the development of historically black colleges during that time, which were founded with the help of religious organizations from the North.
- 2). Talk about African-Americans' struggles during the Jim Crow era. For example, mention that many blacks in the South experienced lynching from trees due to racism and untrue accusations of certain crimes from white Southerners. Talk about how segregated establishments that existed throughout the country and the stress this seperation afflicted on families, communities and the individual.
- 3). Include important African-Americans who helped achieve equality for their race. For example, talk about Harriet Tubman's courageous and successful effort to free slaves by transporting them to the northern United States and to Canada. Also discuss the life of Booker T. Washington, who rose from slavery to open Tuskegee Institute in Alabama for the purpose of educating newly freed slaves.
- 4). Recommend books for further research. Some good books include the Autobiography of Malcolm X, Up from Slavery by Booker T. Washington, Roots by Alex Haley, and the Autobiography of Frederick Douglass. Mention reasons why these books are helpful. For example, discuss how Alex Haley's book is based on his genealogical research on his father's side of the family, and it gives a good chronological history of African-Americans from slavery until the beginning of the civil rights movement.