To answer this question correctly, students must identify the event depicted in a historical photograph and clearly explain why the event is historically significant. For the first question, successful students will identify this as a photo of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom in 1963. For Question 2, successful students might elaborate on one or more of the following:
- The protest garnered significant national and international attention, putting pressure on Congress and the Kennedy Administration to pass civil rights legislation. This pressure ultimately influenced the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
- It was one of the largest political demonstrations in United States history, with about a quarter of a million protestors gathered in Washington, D.C.
- Speeches from civil rights leaders like Martin Luther King Jr., Roy Wilkins, John Lewis, and A. Philip Randolph were distributed widely, and their words had a lasting impact on the Civil Rights Movement. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech was broadcast on television and is considered one of the most influential public addresses in United States history.
Level: Proficient
Question 1
Student clearly and specifically identifies the event depicted in the photograph.
Question 2
Student clearly and specifically explains why the event is historically significant.
Level: Emergent
Question 1
Student provides correct information related to the event but does not clearly identify the significant event.
Question 2
Student correctly elaborates on the event but does not clearly explain why the event is historically significant.
Level: Basic
Question 1
Student does not correctly identify the event.
Question 2
Student does not provide a correct or relevant explanation for why the event is historically significant.
