Observe

In your role as observer, think like a detective. Watch and listen closely so that you have solid evidence to support your analysis of the primary source.

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Law Student Barack Obama, 1991

Video: 3m 08s

Watch this archival news footage from 1991, in which Harvard Law student Barack Obama speaks in support of Professor Derrick Bell at a rally calling for more diversity on the Harvard Law School faculty. Pay special attention to the people and events captured in the footage.

Take Notes

After watching the video, write down your observations in the text box below. Use the following questions as a guide:

What is happening?
Who is present, and what are they doing?
What is said, and who says it?
Do the speakers’ words and/or actions support a certain viewpoint? Do others in the video support this viewpoint? How can you tell?
What clues in the footage indicate when it was taped?
What else catches your attention, however small it may seem?