Overview

In this lesson, students are introduced to apartheid in South Africa and various international attempts to end it through Steven Van Zandt’s Artists United Against Apartheid “Sun City” project. Students begin by watching a clip of the “Sun City” music video and considering whether artists have a responsibility to speak out about injustice. Next, students watch clips from the documentary about the making of “Sun City” and discuss what life under apartheid might have been like and possible actions for changing an oppressive system like apartheid. Finally, students reflect on similar issues facing their community and create a poster, comic strip, or illustrated timeline to communicate ideas for change.