RISE Lesson Plan
• Teach the History of Austin’s Black Freedom Communities •
Learn Through History:
The RISE Lesson Plan
The RISE lesson plan is a classroom-ready resource designed to help students explore the legacy of Austin’s Black freedom communities. Built around the themes and historical research presented in the documentary RISE, this curriculum encourages critical thinking, cultural awareness, and meaningful conversation. It’s ideal for middle school, high school, and college-level classrooms, as well as community education programs.
This is more than a worksheet—it’s a tool to bring overlooked history to the forefront.
How It Works
Getting started is simple:
The lesson plan is free to use and share, and we welcome educators, families, and organizations to incorporate it into their programming.
[PICA-30406], Austin History Center, Austin Public Library
Young man in suit_Austin Black Freedom Communities
What’s Inside
The RISE lesson plan includes:
- A guided worksheet to accompany the RISE documentary
- Discussion prompts that encourage critical analysis and reflection
- Historical context on Austin’s Black freedom communities
- Suggested classroom projects and activities
- Additional reading and digital resource links
Each section is designed to spark discussion & deepen understanding of the historical, social, and cultural impact of these communities.
Why This Matters
Teaching the history of Black freedom communities in Austin fills a critical gap in how local history is often taught. This lesson plan gives students the opportunity to learn about the families, neighborhoods, and legacies that shaped the city—and that continue to matter today. “RISE gave our students a perspective they’ve never seen in textbooks. It made history feel personal, real, and relevant.”
— Local Educator, Austin ISD
Want to explore the communities featured in the plan?
Visit the Freedom Community Directory
