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We the Activists

Inspired by the Public Art Initiative Project The Freedom Wall, 2017

The Freedom Wall, 2017—by John Baker, Julia Bottoms, Chuck Tingley, and Edreys Wajed—on the corner of Michigan Avenue and East Ferry Street. Photograph by MK Photo.

Lesson Plan Details

Grade Level: Pre-K–Grade 2

Keywords: Activism, photography

Conceptual Basis

In this lesson, students will learn what activism looks likes and how it can be demonstrated through the community mural The Freedom Wall. Additionally, students will view Carrie Mae Weems’s series of photographs Family Pictures and Stories and learn how Weems’s use of photography enables her to advocate for something that she has a passion for while telling a story. Students will develop an idea they are passionate about and channel that passion into a documented work of activism.

Public Art Initiative Sponsors

The Public Art Initiative was established and is supported by leadership funding from the County of Erie and the City of Buffalo.

Project Sponsors

Public Art Initiative mural projects are generously underwritten by the New Era Cap Foundation. Additional support for this mural has been provided by Hyatt’s Graphic Supply Company.

Program Sponsors

This program has been made possible through the generosity of KeyBank in partnership with First Niagara Foundation. Additional support has been provided by Jeff and Karin Meyer, Marion and Philip Henderson, and Maria Scrivani and John Lipsitz.