Civil Rights Vocabulary
What does segregation mean?
Keeping people separated because of race.
Who were the Little Rock Nine?
Nine Black students who integrated Central High School.
Why is it powerful when young people speak up for change?
Sample Response: When young people speak up, it shows that anybody can make a difference—not just adults. It also inspires others to be brave and stand up for what’s right.
Why is it important that students were leaders in the Civil Rights Movement?
Justice
Why do you think the author included stories about young people in the movement?
To show how kids helped create change.
What does justice mean?
Fair treatment and doing what’s right.
Who were the Greensboro Four?
Four college students who did a sit-in at a lunch counter.
What issue in your community would YOU take action on?
Sample Response: I would take action on helping homeless people because everyone deserves a safe place to sleep. I would try to organize a donation drive or volunteer to hand out care packages.
I describe people taking action to create change. What word am I?
Activism
Which vocabulary word describes the behavior of the Little Rock Nine in the book?x
Which vocabulary word describes the behavior of the Little Rock Nine in the book?Activism or courage (accept activist/activism).
What does equality mean?
Everyone has the same rights and chances.
What does SNCC stand for?
Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee.
How can activism look different today than in the 1960s?
Sample Response: In the 1960s, people marched and protested in person. Today, people can also use social media, videos, and online petitions to spread the message faster and reach more people.
I mean being kept apart because of race. What word am I?
Segregation
What challenges did student activists face?
Bullying, threats, violence, arrests, etc.
What does the word oppression describe?
Unfair, harsh treatment that takes away people’s rights.
Which group organized freedom rides, sit-ins, and marches?
SNCC (Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee.)
What does being an activist look like for someone your age?
Sample Response: For someone my age, being an activist could mean speaking up at school, making posters, starting a club, or even just educating friends and family about important issues.
I describe when people are treated unfairly and denied their rights. What word am I?
Oppression
Why was SNCC important in the Civil Rights Movement?
They organized youth activism and peaceful protests.
What does the word activism mean?
Taking action to bring change, like marching or protesting.
Why was the sit-in movement important?
It helped challenge and break segregation in public places.
Why is it important that students were leaders in the Civil Rights Movement?
Sample Response: It was important because it showed that young people were brave enough to fight for fairness. Their voices helped change laws and made people pay attention in a different way.
I am a person who fights for change. What word am I?
Activist
How does learning about these events in Witness to Freedom help us today?
Answers will vary (ex: inspires action, teaches history, shows bravery).