Civil Rights Movement: Jim Crow Era Literacy Test (with Answers)

Here is an opportunity to really bring history to life in a memorable fashion. This is a 30 question Literacy Test given by the state of Louisiana to disenfranchise African Americans in the early 1900's. As stated in the directions on the actual document, individuals were given 10 minutes and had to receive a perfect score. This is virtually impossible, especially since some questions appear to have more than one possible right answer -- but that was the point. I tell students the day before that tomorrow they will try to register to vote according to the state of Louisiana and will have to pass the actual literacy test. This gets their interest, but still, nothing can really prepare them for taking this test as the timer counts done and the questions grow more confusing. I let them talk because they get so excited and overwhelmed trying to complete this test. I was able to find answers (included), and students love to go over it. It is important to note however, that while some students will find fun and entertaining, that you bring the focus back to the fact that this was reality to millions of African Americans, and represents the state-approved, systemic racism of the Jim Crow Era. I also suggest following it up with a look at current attempts to pass Voter ID Laws and gerrymandering designed to minimize the black vote.