Teach your students about the landmark Supreme Court case of Plessy v. Ferguson with this engaging informational text and comprehension activity.

This two-page article introduces students to the story of Homer Adolph Plessy, a man jailed in 1892 for sitting in the “white” section of a Louisiana railroad car despite being only one-eighth Black. Students will learn how his case challenged segregation laws under the 13th and 14th Amendments, the guilty ruling by Judge John Howard Ferguson, and the Supreme Court’s decision that legitimized Jim Crow laws for decades. An abridged list of Jim Crow laws by state is included to help students understand the broader impact of the case.

A perfect supplement to your To Kill a Mockingbird unit or U.S. history curriculum, this resource connects literature and history while encouraging students to think critically about justice, equality, and the role of the courts in shaping society.

Why Teachers Love It

• Builds historical context for To Kill a Mockingbird and other civil rights texts
• Encourages critical thinking and class discussion on justice and equality
• Versatile: use in ELA, history, or cross-curricular lessons
• Flexible for whole-class, small group, or independent learning

What’s Included

• 2-page informational text article on Homer Plessy and the court case
• Abridged list of Jim Crow laws by state
• 1 page of comprehension and analysis questions
• Answer Key for teacher convenience
• Both printable and digital formats for versatile classroom use

Why It Works
This resource bridges literature and history, helping students draw meaningful connections between Plessy v. Ferguson, Jim Crow laws, and the themes of justice and prejudice in To Kill a Mockingbird. It reinforces essential ELA and social studies skills while sparking powerful discussions about equality and civil rights.