EXAMINING THE POWER OF ORATORY—REIMAGINED FOR TODAY: HOW DO WE SPEAK UP IN A TIME OF CONFLICT—AND WHAT ECHOES DO OUR VOICES GENERATE?
The Echo of Voice (1865-1945) invites students to explore the U.S. Reconstruction era through the lens of oratory. In this immersive, teen-centered learning experience, students examine how people in moments of upheaval used their voices to advocate, persuade, and demand change. Through the study of historic speeches and the crafting of their own, students uncover how rhetoric has been used as both a mirror and a megaphone—reflecting identity and amplifying social movements. Along the way, they develop the skills to do the same.
Created in generous partnership with XQ Institute, the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching (CFAT), and with the invaluable contributions of educators and students in California, Iowa, Missouri, and Virginia.
"This unit represents the craft of history. It speaks to what resonates with students.
[It] flows and works better than how we teach [the same content] now."
— Marc T., High School Social Studies Teacher, South Carolina
YOUTH-LED EXPRESSION: THE VOICE REMIX PROJECT
At the heart of this experience is the Voice Remix Project—an opportunity for students to study, reflect on, and step into the power of public speech. Spanning the years 1850 to 1945, this thematic unit explores five major social movements—Black rights, women's rights, immigrant rights, labor rights, and Indigenous rights-through the lens of oratory. Students analyze powerful historical speeches from these movements to understand how language has been used to demand change, affirm dignity, and shape public consciousness. Here are some students' work samples:
Inspired by these legacies, students then craft and deliver their own speeches rooted in the issues they care about most today. Drawing on rhetorical strategies from the past and applying them to the present, they develop voice, conviction, and clarity. Students' remixed speeches can be shared in community forums, school assemblies, or via podcasts and other media platforms. By using their voices and sharing their visions for inclusion in America, students engage in the civic act of showing up—and, in doing so, they nurture a sense of agency essential not only to a thriving democracy, but to their own healthy development.
Designed for both physical and virtual gallery walks, The Echo of Voice includes slide decks that guide students in exploring movement-building voices and arts—featuring photos, videos, literature, artifacts, and more.
WHAT STUDENTS DISCOVER AND CREATE
Throughout The Echo of Voice, students develop their skills as writers, thinkers, and advocates. They practice listening to makers of history, identifying the arguments and emotions that shaped eras of transformation, and use those lessons to speak to the needs of their communities today.
TEEN-CREATED ARTIFACTS INCLUDE:
Original, student-written persuasive speeches
Rhetorical analysis of historic oratory
Audio or video recordings of final performances
Reflections on speech, inclusion, and civic voice
These artifacts showcase students' growing ability to understand how speech shapes society—and how their own voices can contribute to meaningful change.
"This task allowed me to collaborate with other students. It was helpful to hear different perspectives and ideas—everyone brought something unique to the message. Working together made our speech stronger and more well-rounded. The difficult part was making sure every voice was included and finding wording we all agreed on, but it taught us how to compromise and stay focused on our shared goal."
— High School Student after The Echo of Voice
A CALL TO ACTION
We're actively developing this course—and we're looking for visionary partners to help us bring it fully to life. If you're a funder, educator or institutional partner committed to youth wellbeing, educational equity, and civic imagination, we invite you to co-create with us. Together, we can build a U.S. History course that helps students not only understand the world, but contribute to it meaningfully.
Take a deeper look at our teen-centered approach to U.S. history.
Explore what teens & teachers shared about their civic learning.
Fill out our interest form to receive everything you need to get started!
