Pauli Murray: Civil & Women's Rights Trailblazer

Pauli Murray: Civil & Women's Rights Trailblazer

A Durham, NC native, Pauli Murray (1910-1985) is a lesser-known civil rights trailblazer whose life, activism and constant courage in the face of adversity made societal advancements that impact us today. The intersection of her crucial work also serves to illuminate the connections between the struggle for civil rights and women’s rights. This lesson will provide an overview of Pauli Murray’s incredible work, perseverance and accomplishments through class lecture and interactive discussion, and most importantly, through her own words. Infused throughout the lesson are seven oral history clips from a 1976 interview with Pauli Murray, housed at UNC-Chapel Hill’s Southern Oral History Program. This lesson willultimately broaden student understanding of the Civil Rights Movement in terms of the heightened challenges (and thus fight) faced by African American women, as well as bring to the forefront one of the most impactful trailblazers for civil and women’s rights.

To access the accompanying PowerPoint, click here.

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Essential Questions: 
What did Pauli Murray accomplish throughout her life?
What obstacles did Murray confront due to her race and gender, and in what ways did she continue to rise above such adversity?
What is “Jane Crow,” and how did Paul Murray fight against both Jim Crow and Jane Crow?
Why is it important to recognize Pauli Murray as a crucial trailblazer in the fight for civil and women’s rights?