Week 2 Discussion

Hello everyone! I hope you had a fantastic weekend and are feeling refreshed and ready to dive into another meaningful week of discussion. This week, we’re focusing on Chapter 2 of Literacy Power. by Hilary Banks and tying it into key themes from the documentary Eyes on the Prize: Awakening, Season 1, Episode 1. Both of these works challenge us to think deeply about how literacy, media, and power intersect and influence our understanding of history and the present day.

I’ll be hosting another TikTok Live session this Thursday at 8 PM Central Time, and I’d love for you all to join! These conversations thrive when you’re part of them, so I encourage you to bring your thoughts, questions, and reflections.

Discussion Questions to Guide Your Reading and Viewing:

1. How does literacy function as a form of power, according to Chapter 2?

   • Consider the ways that access to education, control over narratives, and media representation give certain groups power while leaving others marginalized. Reflect on real-world examples where controlling literacy or access to information created systemic inequality.

2. In what ways did media coverage shape the civil rights movement, as shown in Eyes on the Prize?

   • Pay attention to the role of television and newspapers in bringing awareness to injustices, particularly during events like the Montgomery Bus Boycott. How did the power of visual storytelling influence public perception and inspire action?

3. How do you see parallels between the media’s role during the civil rights movement and today’s media landscape?

   • Think about modern movements such as Black Lives Matter and how social media has changed the way stories of oppression and resistance are told. What lessons can we take from the past when it comes to using media as a tool for change?

I’d also love your help in spreading the word about this free course! My goal is to create a space where people from all backgrounds and experiences can come together and engage in critical discussions about power, media, and literacy. Your involvement and passion are what make this possible, and I’m so grateful for each of you.

Let’s keep the conversation going, and I hope to see you Thursday night!