Then and Now

Protesting and marching have been a part of the United States’ history since its beginning. Over time the messaging and style used for protest signs has changed, but the core idea has always remained the same.

Grab something to write with, art supplies, and a sheet of paper for this activity!

Directions

1. Use the slider to view photographs of signs used by activists in civil rights marches in the past and present.
2. Draw a line down the middle of your paper.
3. On the left side, write down any differences between the signs in the photos that you find.
4. On the right side, write down any similarities between the signs in the photos that you find.
5. Now, think about a cause that is important to you (civil rights, helping the environment, or something else). Pretend you are going to a march in support of your cause.
6. On the back of your paper, draw your very own protest sign like the ones that you see in the two photos. Take inspiration from the photos but make sure to be creative!

Left image
Credit: FRANCIS MILLER/ TIME & LIFE PICTURES

Right image
Credit: DARRYL DYCK/AP