Race, Housing and the Fight for Civil Rights in Los Angeles

Why have white people historically been so resistant and opposed to living close or next to African Americans?

Once African Americans achieved legal victories such as the abolishment of racially restrictive housing covenants, did they get what they wanted, but lose what they had?

The lesson suggests a provocative warm-up for students, and provides historical background information on the living and housing conditions of African Americans in Los Angeles before, during, and after WWII, and on the legal struggles surrounding racially restrictive housing covenants.

The lesson features map activities that enable students to locate landmarks such as the neighborhoods and residences of African-American celebrities and persons of influence on historical, aerial, and modern maps.

Race, Housing and the Fight for Civil Rights in Los Angeles lesson plan (PDF)