CURRENT EVENT | DECEMBER 1, 2014

Ferguson Protests

On Sunday November 23rd, a grand jury in St. Louis, Missouri decided there was not enough evidence to indict, or bring a case against, Darren Wilson. Wilson is the white Ferguson police officer who killed unarmed black teenager Michael Brown on August 9, 2014. The city and surrounding communities erupted into protests at the news that the police officer wouldn’t be charged. There were also peaceful protests around the country. Use this public radio story to discuss the decision and the protests.

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Story Length: 4:30

Listen to the Story:

Listening Comprehension Questions

What was one of Malala Yousafzai’s first experiences with the dangers of religious extremism?
After miraculously surviving her attack, what has Malala focused her work on?
What is the message that Malala is trying to send to those in power?
What does Malala want to do in the future?
What are the goals of Malala’s mission to support girls?

Discussion Themes

What is your opinion on Malala’s message about the power of education?
Why do you think that ISIS might want to silence people like Malala?

Socrative users can import these questions using the following code: SOC-1234

Related Current Events

August 21, 2014

3:55

Race and Equality in Policing

Demonstrations and unrest in Ferguson Missouri continue in response to the shooting death of Michael Brown, the unarmed black teenager killed by local police on August 9th. This public radio story brings us sounds of these demonstrations and voices of Ferguson residents. Listen to learn more about the underlying racial tensions that exist between Ferguson residents and police.

May 5, 2014

3:46

Racism in the NBA

Los Angeles Clippers owner, Donald Sterling, is now banned from the NBA and its games due to his discriminatory remarks that were caught on tape. He’s also being pressured to sell the Clippers. The public is also seeing this event as part of the civil rights movement. Listen to this story to learn why.

Note: Donald Sterling sold the Clippers four months after this story aired.

February 24, 2014

5:13

Lunch Counter Protests of Civil Rights Era

During Black History month, it’s important to learn about the small protest that sparked the civil rights movement. Four black teenagers demanded service at an all-white lunch counter in 1960. One of those protesters recently passed away and this story reflects on his life and impact.