The history of African Americans reveals how systems of oppression deliberately taught hate and inferiority through colorism, segregation, and cultural division; yet the enduring lesson is that the power of loving you—embracing your skin, identity, and worth—becomes the force that drives motivation toward success, unity, and restoration.
The Clark Doll Experiment: https://youtu.be/PZryE2bqwdk?si=IZ6mRph2rkn_nGuW
Race, The Power Of Illusion: https://youtu.be/Y8MS6zubIaQ?si=IzcennESV1ra6LQ0
Who Taught You to Hate Yourself: https://youtu.be/Wm9pEWIPjks?si=gZ6Z8dxP7B6--MTy
Lesson Plan: Loving Your Skin – Understanding Colorism and Self-Worth
🎯 Learning Objectives
By the end of the session, participants will be able to:
- Identify historical and modern examples of colorism and how they teach inferiority.
- Explain how pride and self-love counteract negative messages about skin tone.
- Apply the concept of “loving you” to personal affirmations and community unity.
✅ Learning Outcomes
- Participants will demonstrate understanding by discussing examples of colorism in history and media.
- Participants will create one affirmation statement that celebrates their identity.
- Participants will connect self-love to motivation and success in a short reflection.
5E Model Lesson Flow
1. Engage (5 minutes)
- Present the rhyme: “If you’re white, you’re right; yellow, mellow; brown, stick around; black, stay back.”
- Ask: “What message does this send about skin tone?”
- Example: Participants share quick reactions, connecting to modern slang or media.
2. Explore (10 minutes)
- Small groups examine short excerpts from the Clark Doll Test or Malcolm X’s “Who Taught You to Hate Yourself?” speech.
- Example: Participants discuss how children or communities were taught to feel inferior.
3. Explain (10 minutes)
- Facilitator clarifies: Colorism is a system that teaches hate and inferiority, but history also shows resistance (James Brown’s “Say It Loud – I’m Black and I’m Proud”).
- Example: Participants connect how pride movements counter negative lessons.
4. Elaborate (10 minutes)
- Participants write or share one affirmation beginning with: “The power of loving me means…”
- Example: “The power of loving me means I can succeed without changing who I am.”
5. Evaluate (5 minutes)
- Quick reflection: “How does loving yourself drive motivation toward success?”
- Example: Participants share one sentence linking self-love to achievement (e.g., “When I love myself, I believe I can reach my goals.”).
“Write one sentence completing this phrase: The power of loving me means…”
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