ARTIFACT EXPLORATION:
Martin Luther King Jr. Comic Book
Theme: The 1900s
Martin Luther King Jr. Comic Book
http://americanhistory.si.edu/citizenship/index.html?theme=10&question=85
Visit the “Practice” tab to explore this object.
Before reading the information about the object, answer the following:
Describe: Objectively describe the artifact. What does it look like? Does it look old or new? Is it
intact, or is it damaged in some way? What is the text on the object? What can you infer about
the content of this publication based on the cover?
Analyze: When, where, or how do you think this item was used? What kind of person may
have created or used this item? What significance do you think the object held, either for the
creator or the user? Do you see words or images on the artifact that connect it to others
(besides the creator and user)?
Evaluate : Justify why you came to those conclusions about the artifact. What further
questions do you have about the object? Of those questions, which could you solve by
observing the object in person and which would you need to solve with research? Why do
you think this object was put into the “The 1900s” category?
Using your knowledge of these things, respond to the following questions:
1.
What do you know about Martin Luther King Jr.? What cause does this comic book
depict?
2.
Why do you think a comic book was chosen as a medium to convey this story? What
type of audience do you think it might reach?
3.
What kinds of images are presented on the cover? Why do you think these were
chosen?
Discuss:
1.
Why do you think Dr. King’s nonviolent method was so effective?
2.
What do you know about the “Montgomery Story”? Where might you find additional
information about it? What important information may have been presented in the
comic book?
Artifact Exploration: Martin Luther King Jr. Comic Book
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Learn More Links
Martin Luther King Jr., Through the Scurlock Lens
(http://blog.americanhistory.si.edu/osaycanyousee/2011/08/martin-luther-king-jrthrough-the-scurlock-lens.html)
This National Museum of American History blog post explores a photographic history of
Martin Luther King Jr.
Comic Book Hero
(http://americanhistory.si.edu/ourstory/pdf/mlk/mlk_comic.pdf)
This Our Story resource contains images of the comic book and an activity guide for young
children.
Suggested Extension Activities
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Create your own comic book that details a significant moment in history.
Research additional examples of nonviolent resistance in history. Where did this
method originate? How has it been effective?
Research additional photos, firsthand accounts, or news reports about the
Montgomery bus boycott. How do these resources compare to the way that the comic
book tells the story?
Artifact Exploration: Martin Luther King Jr. Comic Book
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