PBS Learning Media - Renegades Lessons
PBS Learning Media - Renegades Lessons
*This lesson was developed by PBS Learning Media and links to an external source.
Summary:
Renegades is a documentary series from American Masters that showcases the lives and cultural contributions of little-known historical figures with disabilities. These lessons were designed to be used with the videos. They can be used individually or as a unit.
Renegades is a series of five 12-minute short films showcasing the lives of diverse, lesser-known historical figures with disabilities, exploring not only their impact on and contributions to U.S. society, but also the concept of disability culture, which honors the uniqueness of disability. Hosted and narrated by the musician and disability rights advocate Lachi, who is blind, and created and produced by a team of D/deaf and disabled filmmakers, the series is designed to increase public knowledge of disability history, and encourage cross-cultural understanding between non-disabled people and those with disabilities – who make up 1 in 4 adults in America today.
Infused with the spirit of the disability movement’s mantra, “Nothing About Us Without Us,” Renegades places a focus on authentic storytelling, with a cast and crew composed almost entirely of disabled people, and a talent incubator model of filmmaking to mentor emerging directors, producers, writers, cinematographers, and editors with disabilities.
Our Recommendation when using these lessons:
The audio-described versions of these films often include some additional details that might not be included in the undescribed version, so if you have only some students using the AD version, we recommend you watch it first to take note of the differences.
Students might be encouraged to consider how the individuals in each film might have told their own story. How might their version differ from that of their friends, family and community members who told their stories in the films?
We also include guidance on many of the individual lesson below.
Judy-Lynn Del Ray: The Galaxy Gal
Examine the development of the science fiction genre from a niche to a mainstream genre, guided in part by the work of editor Judy-Lynn del Rey. Using the Renegades film Judy-Lynn del Rey: The Galaxy Gal, discussion questions and teaching tips, students learn how del Rey’s work helped pave the way for more equity and inclusivity in science fiction.
Celestine Tate Harrington: Building a Legacy
Examine how Celestine Tate Harrington navigated life as a musician, parent and celebrity, as well as a person with a disability. Using the Renegades film Celestine Tate Harrington: Building a Legacy, discussion questions and teaching tips, students learn about structural barriers for people with disabilities and how Tate Harrington found ways to be successful and share joy within these constraints.
Our recommendation when using this lesson:
One of the questions asks students “In what ways (formally and informally) have people with disabilities and their allies worked around these barriers?” We recommend rephrasing this question to ask what barrier Tate Harrington faced as we only learn about her in this piece.
They discuss Celestine as being rare. It is biased to say it’s rare for a disabled person to take care of their child.
We also recommend shiting the language to allow the understanding that disabled people still have their children taken from them today when those in positions of power make assumptions about what they can or cannot do.
Daniel K. Inouye: Life of Service
Examine the career and life experiences of Senator Daniel K. Inouye. Using the Renegades film Daniel K. Inouye, Life of Service, students analyze how Inouye’s experience of having an arm amputated, along with the fact that he did not identify as a person with a disability, affected his life choices and policy agendas in the United States Congress.
Our recommendation when using this lesson:
Daniel is described as not considering himself disabled. If he understood the social model of disability, do you think he would feel the same way? (if you haven’t covered the social model of disability, see our page about the Social Model)
Brad Lomax: Creating Communities of Care
Examine how Brad Lomax’s identities impacted his work within disability rights and African American rights, and how he responded to needs in his communities that were not otherwise being met. Using the American Masters film Renegades: Brad Lomax, Creating Communities of Care, discussion questions, and teaching tips, students learn about how advocates work to change systems.
Our recommendation when using this lesson:
There is a reference to sickle cell anemia and the Black Panthers that may need context.
Thomas Wiggins: Composing the Future
Examine the life and work of Thomas Wiggins, who was born blind and enslaved and became a famous composer and pianist. Using the Renegades film Thomas Wiggins: Composing the Future, discussion questions and teaching tips, students learn about the musical, social, and historical significance of Wiggins and how they impact the present.
Our recommendation when using this lesson:
Note that question 2 under Taking it Further about Lydia X Z Brown should really state that they pointed out that this topic of conservatorship is current due to Brittney Spear’s case with her father, not so much a comparison of her situation compared to Wiggins. It was more of a reference that we haven’t talked about him in a long time and this is one reason why.
This entry links to the resources that are owned by the creators and listed here for easier access within our database of lessons and resources.
Subject and topic:
Civics and History, Disability History
Grade level:
9 - 12
Duration:
Each film/lesson can be taught in one class period.
Links to download lessons:
Judy-Lynn Del Ray: The Galaxy Gal Lesson Page
Celestine Tate Harrington: Building a Legacy Lesson Page
Daniel K. Inouye: Life of Service Lesson Page
Brad Lomax: Creating Communities of Care Lesson Page