Our Grandparents Were Members of the Black Panther Party
What’s inside...
Zaynab and Zakiyyah's grandparents were members of the Black Panther Party. In order to keep their legacy alive, the two sisters decided to talk about their grandparents and the role the Black Panther Party played in their lives.
Discussion points
How did the actions of the grandparents in the story show courage and commitment to their community?
What are some lessons you think the grandparents wanted to pass down to future generations?
Why is it important to stand up for what you believe in, even when it's difficult?
How can we make a positive impact in our own community today, inspired by the Black Panther Party?
What did you find most inspiring about the grandparents' stories?
Tip: Role play these questions
Begin the conversation by sharing your own thoughts about the importance of community and activism, to make your child feel more comfortable sharing their ideas. Encourage your child to think about how the themes relate to their own life and experiences. Reinforce the positives of community service and standing up for justice, highlighting the impact one individual can have. Finally, supplement the book reading with visits to local community centers or historical sites related to civil rights, adding a tangible element to the lessons learned.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of activism and standing up for justice
Explanation: The story highlights how the grandparents, as members of the Black Panther Party, advocated for equality and social justice. It portrays their involvement in community programs and protests.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to identify social issues within their community and explore ways to make a positive impact, whether through participating in community service or respectful advocacy.
Example Lesson: Understanding historical context and its influence on the present
Explanation: The book provides a backdrop of the historical period of the Black Panther Party, helping children understand the struggles and achievements of that era.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to learn more about history from their families, schools, or libraries, helping them understand the context of current social issues and movements.
Example Lesson: Empathy and respect for diverse perspectives
Explanation: Through stories of the grandparents’ experiences, children are introduced to diverse viewpoints and the challenges faced by others.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children develop empathy toward people who have different life experiences and backgrounds, promoting a more inclusive attitude in their interactions.
Example Lesson: The power of community and collective effort
Explanation: The book shows the strength of community efforts led by the Black Panther Party, like free breakfast programs and health clinics.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to participate in or initiate community help programs at school or in their neighborhoods, understanding the impact of collective effort.