Trump’s Erasing Blackness — Let’s Act Together

Community Lesson Plan

Learning Objectives (3)

1. Recognize the role of civic holidays in shaping collective memory. Example: MLK Day as a ritual of recognition for civil rights.
2. Analyze historical figures’ legacies with nuance. Example: Theodore Roosevelt’s anti-lynching stance and his clash with Southern Democrats.
3. Connect past erasures to present civic action. Example: Juneteenth’s removal from fee-free days as symbolic denial of Black freedom.

Learning Outcomes (3)

1. Explain why erasure matters. Example: Participants articulate how removing MLK Day weakens public standards.
2. Identify complex legacies. Example: Participants describe Roosevelt’s support for Black officials and his unpopular stance in the South.
3. Commit to civic action. Example: Each participant drafts one step, such as calling officials or sharing a podcast episode.

Assessment (3)

1. Discussion Check: Share one historical fact and one civic implication. Example: “Roosevelt condemned lynching, but Juneteenth’s removal erases Black resilience.”
2. Reflection Prompt: Write a short paragraph on how erasure affects community identity. Example: “Without MLK Day, younger generations lose a ritual of remembrance.”
3. Action Commitment: State one concrete step to take. Example: “I will call my representative to demand restoration of Juneteenth.”

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Salim Omari was sworn in as Eagan’s Police Chief on December 2, bringing more than 21 years of experience from Bloomington and St. Paul police departments. He has led units ranging from Internal Affairs and Major Crimes to SWAT, earning recognition such as IACP’s 40 Under 40 and appointments to the Minnesota Sentencing Guidelines Commission. With advanced degrees in criminal justice and police leadership, Omari is praised for his focus on collaboration, equity, and building trust across the community.

Community leaders and residents view his appointment as a milestone in ethical policing and public service. Known for dignity, accountability, and bridge‑building, Omari is seen as a role model who inspires resilience and mentorship for future officers. His leadership is expected to strengthen safety while fostering respect and unity throughout Eagan.

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Brief Statement Why would anyone seek to oppress, deny, or diminish the extraordinary service of African American heroes who gave their lives and courage for this nation? Their sacrifices are woven into the fabric of our democracy. More important, we do not need permission or consent to remember our heroes — their legacy belongs to all of us, and it must be honored without erasure.

📘 Lesson Plan: Standing Against Erasure – Honoring Black Military Heroes

🎯 Learning Objective

Participants will understand the contributions of African American military heroes across U.S. history and recognize why preserving their legacy is essential to democracy.

🌟 Learning Outcomes (with Examples)

By the end of this short session, participants will be able to:

1. Identify at least three African American military heroes and the battles where they served.
   • Example: Name Peter Salem at Bunker Hill (1775), Henry Johnson in the Argonne Forest (1918), and Alwyn Cashe near Samarra, Iraq (2005).
2. Explain why recognition of these heroes was often delayed due to racism.
   • Example: Describe how Freddie Stowers was denied the Medal of Honor until 1991, 73 years after his death, and how Vernon Baker only received his Medal of Honor in 1997 after decades of systemic discrimination.
3. Reflect on why erasure of these stories undermines democracy and justice.
   • Example: Discuss how removing names of Black heroes from bases or ships while glorifying Confederate generals erases the sacrifices of patriots who defended the Union and freedom.
4. Commit to one personal action (sharing, writing, contacting leaders) to resist erasure.
   • Example: A participant pledges to write a blog post about Shoshana Johnson, the first Black female POW, or call their congressman to demand protection of military history that honors African American heroes.

📝 Assessment

• Quick Recall Activity: Ask participants to name one hero from the Revolution, one from WWII, and one from Iraq.
• Discussion Prompt: “Why would anyone want to oppress, deny, or diminish this kind of service to our nation?”
• Exit Ticket: Each participant writes one sentence on how they will help preserve the memory of these heroes (e.g., talk to family, post online, contact a representative).Comments: educatorsocialscience@gmail.com