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Self-Study

Learn at your own pace.

Explore Black history independently with evidence-based resources designed for deeper learning. These self-study materials help you move beyond the introduction, examine historical context and sources, and continue exploring the questions behind the history.

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Visual Essay Learning Guides

Start with a free Visual Essay, then use the accompanying Learning Guide to go deeper through additional context, evidence, source analysis, reflection, and further learning.

Self-Study
VISUAL ESSAY LEARNING GUIDE

But Slavery Existed Everywhere?

Unpacking What Made Racial Slavery Different

Companion guide to the free But Slavery Existed Everywhere? visual essay, helping learners analyze the evidence and consider what made racial slavery in the Atlantic world historically distinct, and how religion, economics, law, ancestry, and racial ideas became connected. Includes an expanded reading supplement, key vocabulary, annotation space, comprehension and critical-thinking questions, source analysis, a Challenge the Myth activity, reflection, further learning resources, and parent and educator support. Best for grades 8–adult. Digital PDF • 10 pages • Printable and binder-friendly

Self-Study
VISUAL ESSAY LEARNING GUIDE

Before the Divine Nine

Visual Essay Learning Guide

Companion guide to the free Before the Divine Nine visual essay, exploring the Black fraternal, mutual-aid, and service organizations that existed before Black Greek-letter organizations — including Prince Hall Freemasonry, the Grand United Order of Odd Fellows, the United Brothers of Friendship, the Order of St. Luke, and the Black Elks. Includes an expanded reading supplement, annotation space, key historical distinctions, comprehension questions, source analysis, critical-thinking activities, a Challenge the Myth evidence task, reflection, further learning resources, and parent and educator answer support. Best for middle and high school learners, homeschool families, educators, and adult learners. Digital PDF • 10 pages • Printable and binder-friendly

Self-Study
VISUAL ESSAY LEARNING GUIDE

Black El Salvador Learning Guide

Companion guide to the Black El Salvador visual essay, going deeper into Afro-Salvadoran history, changing racial classifications, national identity, La Matanza, race-based migration law, and efforts to make this history visible. Includes an expanded reading supplement, key vocabulary, Read With Purpose questions, evidence analysis, critical-thinking activities, a Challenge the Myth reflection, further reading, and parent and educator support. Best for grades 8–adult. Digital PDF • 8 pages • Printable and binder-friendly

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