Black organizing did not begin on college campuses.
This 10-page learning guide accompanies the free Black History 101 visual essay, Before the Divine Nine: Generations of Black Fellowship, Leadership, and Service, and helps learners explore the longer history of Black fraternal, mutual-aid, and service organizations that existed before Black Greek-letter organizations were founded.
The guide examines 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. Learners will explore how Black communities created their own systems of fellowship, burial assistance, family support, leadership, service, and economic opportunity during periods of exclusion and discrimination.
This guide is designed to move beyond simply reading the visual essay. It gives learners opportunities to analyze evidence, identify historical patterns, challenge oversimplified claims, and think more deeply about the role organized community life has played in Black history.
Inside the guide:
- 10-page printable learning guide
- Expanded historical reading supplement
- Annotation and note-taking space
- Key historical distinctions
- Comprehension questions
- Source analysis
- Critical-thinking activities
- Challenge the Myth evidence task
- Reflection
- Further learning resources
- Parent and educator answer support
Best for: middle and high school learners, homeschool families, educators, adult learners, and anyone interested in exploring Black history beyond the traditional classroom narrative.
The accompanying visual essay is available as a FREE download. Start with the visual essay, then use this guide to deepen the learning, examine the evidence, and continue the conversation.
Digital PDF | 10 pages | Printable and binder-friendly