Essie Mae Washington-Williams

High school (ages 12+)
People & Society

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/essie-mae-washington-williams

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. When was Essie Mae Washington-Williams born?October 12, 1925
2. Where was Essie Mae Washington-Williams born?Edgefield, South Carolina
3. Who was Essie Mae Washington-Williams?Essie Mae Washington-Williams was a teacher and author who was the daughter of Senator Strom Thurmond. She grew up during a time when interracial families were hidden from society.
4. How did Essie Mae learn about her father?She discovered she was Strom Thurmond’s daughter when she was 12 years old. Her mother’s sister had raised her without telling her the truth.

Interracial Union: A relationship or marriage between people of different racial backgrounds.
Segregationist Politics: Political beliefs and actions that support the separation of different racial groups.
Filibuster: A tactic used in legislative bodies to delay or obstruct a vote on a bill or other measure.
Marginalized Voices: Individuals or groups who are excluded or pushed to the edges of society and whose perspectives are often overlooked.