American Thought Leaders: Black Christians Enslaved in Africa, an Interview With Simon Deng and Charles Jacobs
- Balance Learning Resources
- Apr 1
- 5 min read
Updated: Sep 2
Grade Level: 11-12
Duration of video: 47 minutes
Themes: current events, empathy, social justice, activism, collaboration
Lesson Overview:
This moving interview on American Thought Leaders introduces two modern day heroes - Simon Deng and Charles Jacobs - who discuss the ongoing struggle against slavery, human trafficking, and genocide in Africa, and the impact of Islamist extremism. Simon Deng, formerly enslaved, shares his personal story of escape and the horrors of slavery in Sudan. He and Charles Jacobs, who helped free tens of thousands of slaves in Sudan, highlight the international community's lack of response to these issues, especially regarding the Islamic slave trade.
By forming the African Jewish Alliance (AJA, https://africanjewishalliance.org/) and speaking about their work, they raise awareness about modern-day slavery and the need for a unified effort to end these practices globally. Their conversation emphasizes the importance of speaking out against injustices and holding governments and organizations accountable for their inaction.
Lesson Plan: American Thought Leaders: Black Christians Enslaved in Africa, an Interview with Simon Deng and Charles Jacobs
Grade Level: High School (11th-12th)
Subject: Social Studies, History, Current Events, ELA
Video Duration: 47 minutes
Objective:
To read about, listen to accounts of, and discuss the modern enslavement and genocide of Black Christians by Islamists in Africa.
To discuss the perspectives shared by Simon Deng and Charles Jacobs on these topics and their mission to collaborate, advocate for social justice, and change policy.
Materials:
Access to the video: "Black Christians Enslaved in Africa, Interview with Simon Deng and Charles Jacobs on American Thought Leaders"
Whiteboard or projector for notes
Student Handout # 1: Outline of Two Modern Day Heroes (below) – xerox for each student or display on SmartBoard
Student Handout #2: Discussion Questions (below) – xerox for each student or display on SmartBoard.
1. Before Showing the Video (15-20 minutes)
Tell students:
The video we will watch today is about two modern day heroes. Simon Deng is a Black Christian who had been enslaved by Arab Jihadists in Africa. Charles Jacobs is a civil rights advocate. Together they are bringing light to the genocide and slavery of African Christians in the Sudan and other parts of Africa.
Briefly go over Student Handout # 1 (below) with students (hand out paper copies, or display on SmartBoard).
Before showing the film, ask students to focus on and take notes about:
What stories do Simon Deng and Charles Jacobs share that impacted you?
What historical events are discussed in the video?
2. Video Viewing (47 minutes in one class period, or divide the viewing into two)
Show the video in class. As the students watch, ask them to take notes on key points made by the interviewees to answer the abovementioned questions.
3. Group Discussion (20 minutes)
After the video, give students Student Handout # 2 (below) or display on SmartBoard . Break the class into small groups to discuss.
1. How did Simon Deng and Charles Jacobs describe the experience of Black Christians in Africa?
2. Describe Simon Deng’s experience of being kidnapped into slavery. What part(s) of his story impacted you?
3. Describe how Charles Jacobs became an activist for Black Christians in Africa. What part(s) of his story impacted you?
4. 2.5 million Black Christians in South Sudan were slaughtered or kidnapped into slavery by North Sudanese Islamists. What are some reasons that the world seems not to speak much about this?
5. In what ways is the genocide against Black Christians in Africa similar to the Hamas terrorist attack on Israel on October 7, 2023?
Each group should select a spokesperson to summarize their discussion for the class.
4. Class Reflection and Debrief (15 minutes)
Bring the class back together for a full-class discussion. Use the following questions to guide the debrief:
What did you learn from the video that you didn't know before?
What are thoughts, words, and actions that some people take that can lead them to thinking enslaving and murdering others is okay?
How can you take your own thoughts, words, and actions seriously to promote social justice and peace instead of violence?
Some people (mistakenly) think that only people with white skin are capable of oppressing others. What did you learn in this video that disproves that idea?
What is the best way to decide whether someone has good character?
5. Homework Assignment
Ask students to write a 1–2-page reflection on the following prompt:
· Reflect on what you admire about both heroes and how their stories impacted your understanding of current events. How might you bring more social justice into your daily life? How might you bring voice to the plight of African Christians and Israelis who have been impacted by violent jihadism?
Assessment:
Participation in the group discussion
Reflection paper on the video and its themes
Understanding the similarities in experience of African Christians and Israeli Jews at the hands of violent Islamists.
This lesson will provide students with a deeper understanding of the enslavement and genocide of African Christians and Israeli Jews at the hands of violent Islamists.
Student Handout # 1: Outline of Two Modern Day Heroes
SIMON DENG: Formerly Enslaved in Africa
Simon Deng– formerly enslaved and now a human rights advocate.
Raises awareness about modern-day slavery and genocide in Africa.
Early Life in Sudan
Born in the 1959 in South Sudan to a loving family from the Dinka tribe.
Sudan: divided by civil war.
North Sudan (Arab Islamists) was attacking, murdering, enslaving people in South Sudan (Black Christians)
Capture and Life as a Slave
At the age of 9, Simon was kidnapped by Arab slave traders.
Taken to North Sudan and sold into slavery under harsh conditions.
Escape and Freedom
Simon describes his escape from his captors and how he was rescued.
Life After Slavery
Moved to the U.S. and became an advocate for victims of slavery.
Advocacy and Human Rights Work
Simon’s activism raises awareness about slavery and genocide in Sudan and other parts of the world.
He partners with Charles Jacobs to speak out against Islamic slavery and genocide, educate the public, and influence political change.
CHARLES JACOBS: Campaign Against Modern-Day Slavery
Charles Jacobs is an activist and founder of the American Anti-Slavery Group (started in 1990's).
He helped save thousands of people who were enslaved in Sudan.
He collaborates with those who were formerly enslaved like Simon Deng to raise awareness.
Founding of the African-Jewish Alliance
He founded the African-Jewish Alliance.
Aimed to unite African American and Jewish communities in the fight against slavery, racism, genocide, and injustice.
Advocacy for Human Rights
Educates the public about ongoing human trafficking, slavery, and genocide.
Public speaking and media appearances to spread awareness and influence policy change.
Focus on Islamist Slave Trade
Charles’ focus on the role of Islamist governments and groups in perpetuating slavery, particularly in Sudan.
The role of the African-Jewish Alliance in organizing campaigns and calling for global action.
Impact and Achievements
The alliance’s success in raising awareness about slavery and influencing political change.
Legacy as an advocate for freedom and equality.
Student Handout #2: Discussion Questions
Discuss the following questions in your group:
1. How did Simon Deng and Charles Jacobs describe the experience of Black Christians in Africa?
2. Describe Simon Deng’s experience of being kidnapped into slavery. What part(s) of his story impacted you?
3. Describe how Charles Jacobs became an activist for Black Christians in Africa. What part(s) of his story impacted you?
4. 2.5 million Black Christians in South Sudan were slaughtered or kidnapped into slavery by North Sudanese Islamists. What are some reasons that the world seems not to speak much about this?
5. In what way is the genocide against Black Christians in Africa similar to the Hamas terrorist attack on Israel on October 7, 2023? Why is this important for the world to understand?
Each group should select a spokesperson to summarize their discussion for the class.
