Facing History & Ourselves

The historical narrative about Thanksgiving has long been a one-sided story that glorifies colonization and ignores the full truth of history, particularly for the Indigenous people of the United States. While many historians and activists have worked to disrupt public memory as it relates to the imagined history of Thanksgiving, the true agency of the story lies in the hands of Indigenous communities who recognize the fourth Thursday of November as the National Day of Mourning. Learn more about the legacy of the Thanksgiving story.

This year our All Community Read features a selection of texts on the theme of borders and belonging. Join us on December 4 to learn about resources and strategies to engage adults and students with one or all of our selected texts. ??: Register today!

If you’re currently attending the National Council for the Social Studies Annual Conference, join us today along with Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial Foundation and Echoes & Reflections for a session entitled “What Can Auschwitz Teach Us Today: Holocaust Memory and its Implications for Educating in the Future.” From 1:05-1:40 pm EST in Room 200 at the Hynes Convention Center, we will discuss how to foster historical awareness and critical thinking among students while equipping educators with groundbreaking tools for Holocaust curricula. We hope to see you there.

The most uncomfortable conversations are sometimes the most important to building a healthy democracy and society—but having those discussions can feel insurmountable without the right tools. In our latest Ideas This Week article, Facing History President and CEO Desmond K. Blackburn, Ph.D offers perspective to school and district leaders on facilitating respectful dialogue and finding our shared humanity in polarized times.

Today is Transgender Day of Remembrance. As we commemorate this day and Transgender Awareness Week, we honor those who have lost their lives to anti-transgender violence while recognizing trans resilience and survival. Click through to find resources that can help educators acknowledge and reflect on Transgender Day of Remembrance inside and outside the classroom.

The Shine a Light Civic Courage Awards, powered by The Jewish Education Project, recognizes individuals who demonstrate exceptional courage in combating antisemitism through education. In a time when antisemitism is on the rise, these awards illuminate the efforts of those standing up to hate, inspiring others to do the same. Celebrate civic courage! Submit students, educators, gamers, and influencers who take bold action to combat these dangerous trends. Whether through education, activism, or creative expression, recipients of this award are lighting the way forward at a time when standing against hate has never been more crucial. Submissions are due by November 25, 2024. Two recipients in each of the eight categories will receive a $2,000 prize and national recognition for their impactful work. Submit your nominations today:

Native American Heritage Month is the perfect opportunity to expand your horizons and learn more about this often-misrepresented group that is so central to the fabric of our nation. Click through to discover seven vital films on Native American history and life, covering topics ranging from the impact of women in the American Indian Movement (AIM) to Navajo death metal.

We know educators need flexible resources that help build classroom community when teaching US History. Our US History Curriculum Collection helps educators lay a foundation for deep and collaborative learning and prepares students to investigate a variety of important historical periods, including the founding and Reconstruction Era. Learn more about the curriculum and the units, lesson plans, and C3-style inquiries to teach middle or high school US history.

We’re proud to announce that Facing History President & CEO Desmond K. Blackburn, Ph.D will be joining New Leaders CEO Jean Desravines and Chiefs for Change CEO Robert Runcie to speak at the MCEL (Men of Color in Educational Leadership) National Convening in Orlando, FL from Dec. 6-8. This conference provides an invaluable safe space for fostering dialogue, empowerment, and support among men of color in educational leadership. Click through to learn more and register! https://lnkd.in/euVXWuth

When we were choosing books for our upcoming All Community Read centered on the themes of our Borders & Belonging ELA teaching collection, Borderless by Jennifer De Leon was a natural choice. Not only are we thrilled to be reading this novel with students and educators over the coming months, but we're also so excited that Jennifer will be joining us at our National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) booth for a book signing on November 22 from 11am-noon! Click through to learn more about Jennifer's background, inspirations, and the event.