Theater

Video Clips from Journey of a People:
The American Teachers Association

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Journey of a People: The American Teachers Association is a video history that tells the story of the ATA—the preeminent voice for Black educators and children from 1904 to 1966.

Produced by the National Education Association, this stirring film shows the realities that Black educators and students faced in the mid-1800s, and recounts the circumstances surrounding the founding of the National Association of Colored Teachers in 1904, which became the American Teachers Association in 1937. It also follows the 40-year relationship between the ATA and the NEA, leading to their historic merger in 1966.

We hope you enjoy these video clips. To order your copy of Journey of a People, visit the NEA Professional Library.

Tip: If you have time for only one clip, watch this one. (Broadband, 3:04 minutes. You need the Real Player.)

Windows Media Player needed for the following clips. Mac users can use Flip4Mac.

Clip 1 0:27 Broadband In the mid-1800s, being a teacher of color in the United States could be a dangerous occupation. Watch video.	Clip 4 0:19 Broadband In 1862, Congress passed a second Morrill Land Grant Act to provide for the establishment of land grant agricultural colleges for both Blacks and Whites in the South. Watch video.
Clip 2 0:37 Broadband After the Civil War, African-Americans had to create their own freedom, their own future, and both rested on education. Watch video.	Clip 5 0:45 Broadband In 1904, J.R.E. Lee issued a call to state education associations to create a national organization for teachers working with Black youth. Watch video.
Clip 3 0:40 Broadband In the late 1800s, public laws kept Black students from attending White public schools. Watch video.	Clip 6 0:13 Broadband In 1925, NEA president Mary McSkimmon created a NEA committee on Problems in Negro Education & Life, which provided for the first time an official way for NEA and ATA to work together. Watch video.