Muhammad Ali’s Spiritual Journey: Socratic Seminar & Research Extension

In this lesson, students will engage with a series of video clips depicting Cassius Clay Jr.’s personal religious journey, conversion to the Nation of Islam, and transformation into Muhammad Ali. Students will explore the history of the Nation of Islam by learning about its one-time leader Elijah Muhammad and its influence by minister and human rights activist Malcom X. Students will establish an understanding of the teachings, beliefs and traditional customs within the fraternal order of the Nation of Islam and examine how the Nation of Islam, a Black nationalist movement, was depicted in the mainstream media and received by Americans throughout Ali’s lifetime. 

Lesson activities invite students to research the Nation of Islam through guided questions on a note-catcher. Next, students will participate in a Socratic Seminar about Ali’s evolving relationship with faith and his commitment to the Nation of Islam. As a culminating activity, students will create a timeline of key moments in Ali’s religious journey by combining information depicted in the video clips, takeaways from the Socratic seminar, and additional takeaways from recommended readings and research.

About the Author:

A native of Dallas, Texas, Tellesha Minter (she/her) is an Assistant Principal with Dallas Independent School District. She has been in education for 21 years. During the last three years, Tellesha has served as an educator and Instructional Coach, working with teachers and students in the core subject areas of Math and Science and providing educators and students with practical hands-on experiences. Ms. Minter currently holds a Bachelor’s of Science from Texas Woman’s University and a Master’s in Education from Texas A&M University-Commerce. Tellesha’s goal is to become a Principal and pursue her studies at the doctoral level, with a focus on public vs. charter schools and efforts being made to close the student achievement gap. Ms. Minter was a 2019 Texas Instrument Awardee & Fellow and has been Teacher of the Year multiple times. In her spare time, Ms. Minter loves to travel, walk (exercise), and spend time with family and friends. Tellesha is extremely excited to be on this journey and wishes everyone well.