This program is designed to take several days, with materials that can be used in class or incorporated within homework assignments. Option A culminates with students presenting a class project; several suggested topics are provided in these materials. This program includes a deep dive into the events of 1920, as well as an exploration of the work surrounding the 2020 pardon, led by local attorneys Jerry Blackwell and Corey Gordon. The inclusion of the 2020 chapter of this story is designed to teach students about ways in which the fight for equal justice remains relevant and essential today. Option A can be shortened in a variety of ways, and educators can pick and choose how to use the materials suggested for each day.
Day 1
1. Review the list of Who’s Who
Approx. Time: 5 minutes
2. Review the video of Jerry Blackwell introducing the history of the Duluth lynchings, which includes the CBS Minnesota/WCCO media clip: “Minnesota’s First Posthumous Pardon Granted to Black Man, Max Mason, Convicted in Century-Old Duluth Case”
Approx. Time: 25 minutes
3. Review media coverage regarding the 100-year anniversary of the lynchings
Article: “On June 15, 1920, a Duluth mob lynched three black men,” by Tina Burnside | July 29, 2019
Approx. Time: 5 minutes
Article: “Centennial remembrance of Duluth lynchings subdued - but hopeful,” by Dan Kraker | June 15, 2020
Approx. Time: 10 minutes
(Optional) Video: “Minnesota governor marks 100th anniversary of Duluth lynching” | Nation June 15, 2020
DULUTH, Minn. — Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz’s remarks marking the 100th anniversary of a painful chapter in Duluth history by visiting memorial to three black men lynched by a white mob.
Approx. Time: 23 minutes
4. (Optional) Consider one or more discussion questions from the Discussion Questions document for class discussion or student reflection.
Approx. Time: 20 minutes
Day 2
5. Review Minnesota History Center website regarding the lynchings, legal proceedings, and incarcerations
https://www.mnhs.org/duluthlynchings/lynchings.php
https://www.mnhs.org/duluthlynchings/legal.php
https://www.mnhs.org/duluthlynchings/incarcerations.php
Approx. Time: 30 minutes
6. Review the Max Mason pardon application, letters in support, and the pardon certificate.
Approx. Time: 30 minutes
7. (Optional) Consider one or more discussion questions from the Discussion Questions document for class discussion or student reflection.
Approx. Time: 20 minutes
Day 3
8. Review the Max Maxon pardon hearing
Approx. Time: 30 minutes
9. Review media coverage regarding the Max Mason pardon
Article: “Minn. grants state’s first posthumous pardon to Max Mason, in case related to Duluth lynchings,” by Dan Kraker | June 12, 2020
Approx. Time: 5 minutes
Article: “Century after Minnesota lynchings, black man convicted of rape ‘because of his race’ up for pardon,” by Meagan Flynn | June 12, 2020
Approx. Time: 5 minutes
10. (Optional) Consider one or more discussion questions from the Discussion Questions document for class discussion or student reflection.
Approx. Time: 20 minutes
Day 4
11. Review the video of Corey Gordon discussing the Max Mason pardon
Approx. Time: 18 minutes
12. Consider assignments 1 - 5 from the Suggested Student Projects
Choose one of the assignments and work on drafting.
(Optional – record your presentation)
13. (Optional) Consider one or more discussion questions from the Discussion Questions document for class discussion or student reflection.
Approx. Time: 20 minutes
Day 5
14. Present your assignment in class
15. Class discussion: use the proposed discussion questions from the Discussion Questions document as possible discussion points.