One Way Ticket Back | Great Migrations

Explore the impact of Black Americans’ reverse migration South. The 1970s marked a turning point in American history. For the first time in 60 years, more Black people were moving to the South than leaving it. It was a shift fueled by uprisings and mass movements, as well as economic change. Atlanta would gain a reputation as the next Black mecca, a place of Black wealth and opportunity, home to more Black colleges and universities than anywhere else, with a highly educated merchant and political class wielding significant power.

In this lesson, students will analyze the reasons behind the new Great Migration of Black Americans back to the South, as well as its historical significance and change over time. They will evaluate the impact this migration had on cities like Atlanta and their role in national politics through group mapping work, and additionally will engage in a project-based assessment to demonstrate their understanding of the topic.