Page 13 - Paths to Change

3. How might this text help explain why the protests were so large and continued over such a long period of time? The death of George Floyd and the number of days that passed before action was taken in arresting the officers involved could explain the large number of protestors. When arrests began on May 29th with the arrest of the first officer, the government began to respond negatively to protestors, potentially adding fuel to the fire. The high level of resistance by the government and the aggressive (and sometimes violent) tactics used against protestors likely angered them further and resulted in a stronger desire to protest until they felt justice was gained. 4. What was the local (mayor) and federal (the President) government’s response to the protests? Local mayors responded by issuing curfews. The government responded by sending the military to multiple cities to confront and disperse protestors. 5. How might this text be used to argue that protests successfully transform society? Within the 12-day timespan shown on the timeline, all of the officers involved in George Floyd’s homicide were arrested. Additionally, officers using violence against protestors were charged as well. This demonstrates the effectiveness of protests in pressuring government officials to give their attention to an issue and take action. Historically, Black men and women who have died senselessly at the hands of law enforcement have seen delayed justice, if any justice at all. This timeline shows the impact protests had in under two weeks - an unprecedented victory. Suggestions to Increase Accessibility Shallow scaffold: o Examine the structure prior to reading (e.g. chronological order, minimal event detail, locations listed) Medium scaffold: o Paired thinking and sharing prior to whole-group discussion of the timeline Deep scaffold: o Add one question (e.g. fill in the blank, fact check) for each event or section of events on the timeline to aid comprehension The Black Inquiry Project 12