People’s History Artists for the Classroom

Social movements all through history have used art to enhance what they do, to inspire people, to give them a vision, to bring them together and make them feel that they are part of a vibrant movement. — Howard Zinn, Artists in a Time of War 

Below find some recommended people’s history artists and photographers who offer resources to connect art and social justice in the classroom.

Americans Who Tell the Truth

Robert Shetterly’s portraits and narratives highlight people who courageously address issues of social, environmental, and economic justice.
www.americanswhotellthetruth.org

Clyde Kennard

Ai-jen Poo

Emma Tenayuca

Chief Joseph Hinmatoowyalahtqit

Amplifier

The Education Amplifier program is committed to amplifying the voices of social change movements through art and community engagement by creating meaningful ways for educators and their students to join the conversation. Sign up to receive free resources online. Donate $10 for the original Amplifier set, including the images below.

Amanda Gorman

Lydia XZ Brown

Ismael Nazario

Isra Chaker

Favianna Rodriguez

Favianna Rodriguez is a transnational interdisciplinary artist and cultural organizer. Her art and collaborative projects deal with migration, global politics, economic injustice, patriarchy, and interdependence.

Women. Unions. Rights. Power.

You’ve Been Killing Me Little by Little with Punishment

Work Connects Us All

The Worldwide Movement to End Racism

Justseeds Artists’ Cooperative

Justseeds is a network of artists committed to making print and design work that reflects a radical social, environmental, and political stance.

By Blanco and Peter Cole

By Claude Moller

By Sam Kerson

By Shaun Slifer and Sara Beth Meister

Ricardo Levins Morales

Ricardo Levins Morales produces original social justice and political art.

Stop Global Warming

Trayvon Martin

Toussaint L’Ouverture

The Labor Movement

Ilka Hartmann

Ilka Hartmann photographed some of the great social movements of the latter 20th century in the United States.

United Farm Workers Woman With Flowers

Black Panthers at the National Headquarters

Defiant Young Alcatraz Occupiers

Andrew Lichtenstein

Andrew Lichtenstein is a documentary photographer, journalist, and teacher who works on long term stories of social concern. One of his series features unmarked locations of historical significance.

Ludlow Massacre Site On April 20, 1914, striking miners were attacked by the Colorado National Guard, coal company guards, and private detectives.

Mississippi River Boat Dock From the 1820s until the 1860s, Natchez, Mississippi was once a major hub for the sale of people.

Pequot Massacre Site In May of 1637, Captain John Mason led a raid against the Pequot Indians in Mystic, Connecticut.

Harvey Richards

Harvey Richards filmed and photographed a number of 1960s social justice movements. A free photo book is available for teachers. Learn more.

San Francisco Bay Area Civil Rights in the 1960s

Farm Workers on Strike, 1959-1966

1967 Spring Mobilization Against the War in Vietnam

And More

These are many more sources of wonderful art and photography for the classroom, including Syracuse Cultural Workers, Rejoice the Vote, and Dignidad Rebelde.