Assignment task:
You are a citizen of the state of Maryland. A bill has been proposed in the state legislature to make a new license plate series called "Enslaved African Americans." In addition to the state name and the plate number, the first plate will include an image of Harriett Tubman with the message below it, "Remember the Past." Additional plates may be introduced in the future featuring images of Frederick Douglass and other African Americans who were enslaved in Maryland.
News about the proposed license plate has generated support and opposition among Marylanders. Some argue the new plate will be too divisive and make a negative image of the state in the minds of other Americans who are not from Maryland. They claim the license plate focuses too much on the past and the state needs to move forward. They also think the growing controversy over the license plate will be bad for attracting new businesses and newcomers to the state. Some have voiced fears of the impact the new license plate will have on their children's well-being.
Supporters on the other hand argue the state has not done enough to acknowledge the impact of slavery in its past and needs to do more to educate its current and potential citizens. They maintain the new license plate series is a small step in the right direction. They also argue it will send a powerful message to other states to examine their histories of slavery, segregation, and exclusion.
Step One - Written Testimony:
For your written testimony, students should think of 4 main points they want to convey to the legislative committee. Try to avoid jargon and personalize your testimony instead. What will the license plate mean to you? What message will it send to your community and other drivers in and outside of the state?