This document is a student's history timeline project on the theme of diversity and inclusion in American history. It discusses how immigration, nativism, and citizenship laws have both allowed and prevented people's inclusion at different points. The timeline then outlines five pre-emancipation events: 1) The beginning of slavery in 1619, 2) The Declaration of Independence, 3) The Trail of Tears, 4) King Cotton establishing the South's economic reliance on slavery, and 5) Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation freeing slaves in rebel states. The student chose this theme because understanding who was and was not included is important to comprehending US history fully.

1. I Too, Sing America: A History of
DIVERSITY, INCLUSION (and Exclusion)
By: Ms. Thomas and Sample Group
5th Period “Northrop”
11th Grade United States History

2. Inclusion
The theme for my timeline is diversity and inclusion in
American history. I chose this theme because I noticed
how many times we discussed immigration, nativism,
and laws changing to prevent or allow more people to
be citizens. Even as the United States pushes to become
a symbol of liberty and freedom it also had this trend of
pushing people out or denying them rights. This theme
is relevant to US History because it is important to
understand who exactly gets to be a part of that history.
We often talk about America as if it was always an open
and happy place to live but that has not always been
true.

3. Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,
With conquering limbs astride from land to land;
Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand Pre-Emancipation
Events

4. Event #1: The Beginning of Slavery
Slavery began in the “the colonies” in
1619 when the first enslaved
Africans arrived in Virginia. Enslaved
Africans were brought to the
Americas via the Trans Atlantic Slave
Trade. Slavery is an important
example of how millions of people
were brought into the what would
become the United States but were
not truly included in the society of
the times.
A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame
Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name
Mother of Exiles

5. Event 2: The Declaration of Independence
From her beacon-hand
Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command
The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.

6. Event 3: The Trails of Tears
From her beacon-hand
Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command
The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.

7. Event 4: King Cotton
"Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!" cries she
With silent lips. "Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,

8. Event 5: Emancipation Proclemation
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"