In an experiment with nearly 700 students from nine Chicago-area schools, Matthew Nelsen (a PhD candidate in Political Science at Northwestern University) gave out readings on the abolitionist movement, the National Farmworkers Association, and the Chinese Exclusion Act. Half of the readings were from the corporate textbook The American Pageant and the other half from A People’s History of the United States. Afterwards, when Nelsen asked students to report on their willingness to participate in political activities (voting, campaigning, or demonstrations), Black and Latino youth reported a greater willingness to participate when they read passages from A People’s History.
Howard Zinn was the faculty adviser for the Boston University (BU) student newspaper, bu exposure. In 1977-78, the administration of John Silber demanded to review the contents of the paper before it was published and act as a censor. Zinn refused.
“Howard’s calm, quiet insistence on doing what was right and taking a stand are lessons that have stayed with me for a lifetime.”
Student Activism
A People’s History Inspires Students’ Political Activism
Posted: June 25, 2020 by Howard Zinn Website
Category: In the News, News Tags: A People's History of the United States, Activism, Student Activism
Howard Zinn and the bu exposure
Posted: October 3, 2017 by Howard Zinn Website
Category: Articles & Interviews, Articles about Howard Zinn, News Tags: Activism, Boston University, Student Activism
“Howard Zinn, Our Favorite Teacher” Series — Suzanne Baker
Posted: September 13, 2016 by Howard Zinn Website
Category: News, Tributes Tags: Activism, Boston University, Student Activism, Zinn Education Project