Using the music of legendary blues singer Muddy Waters, students will explore the mass movement of African-Americans during the early 20th century known as the Great Migration.  The lesson will begin with an exploration of the harsh realities faced by many African-Americans in the South.  Together we will analyze primary source images of life in the Mississippi Delta during the 1920's to determine how segregation and poverty served as "push factors" for many African-Americans.  Along the way we'll learn about McKinley Morganfield (aka Muddy Waters) and his personal experience in the Delta.  We'll listen to "Country Blues", an example of Waters' early songs that speaks about the struggles of daily life as an African-American sharecropper.  Together we will analyze the lyrics, instrumentation, tone, and theme to see why someone would want to leave the South.

We will then explore Waters' move to Chicago and how the lyrics and energy of his music changed to reflect the new freedoms African-Americans experienced in the North.  We'll begin by reading a secondary source document from the Chicago Public Library detailing the improved way of life promised to African-Americans in cities, such as Chicago.  We'll then listen to Muddy Waters recording of "Got My Mojo Workin'", through which we'll see how the energy, positivity, and confidence he felt in his new life comes through.

The class will end with a reflection in which students will be asked to discuss the "push and pull" factors that attracted many African-Americans from the South to major cities in the North.  Students will be encouraged to use the sources provided in this class while discussing.

This course will make heavy use of music and is designed to be fun and interactive!  Throughout the way I will engage with students and lead group discussions.  I encourage questions from students at all times!  No prior knowledge of the Great Migration or Muddy Waters is required.