Compare MLK and Black Panthers: Civil Rights Advice Column Worksheet
Civil Rights Advice Column gives students a powerful way to compare the strategies of Martin Luther King Jr. and the Black Panthers by placing them in real-world Civil Rights–era situations. Students read four advice-style letters based on issues communities actually faced—school integration delays, police harassment, job discrimination, and pressure to abandon nonviolence. For each scenario, they decide which leader’s approach best fits the problem, using details from the readings to support their reasoning. A final rewrite task helps students see how point of view shapes action and strategy.

Grade Level: 8–12
Duration: 1 class period
DOK: 1 & 2

What’s Included:
Printable History Cat Articles: Martin Luther King Jr. and The Black Panthers
Civil Rights Advice Column Worksheet (Part 1: comparison chart + Part 2: 4 fictional letters to a civil rights newspaper advice column)
Teacher Guide with step-by-step instructions and answer key
 
Skills Developed:
Compare historical civil rights strategies
Apply evidence (advice) to provide a solution to historical scenarios
Claim, Evidence, Reasoning
 
Perfect For:
Teachers seeking a clear, evidence-driven activity that helps students understand the complexity of the Civil Rights Movement through authentic scenarios and leader perspectives.