By Ariel Luckey
“Free Land is a compelling and inspiring contribution to social justice and for dialog and reconciliation.”
— Winona LaDuke, Anishinaabe author & environmental activist
Written and performed by Ariel Luckey, Free Land: A Hip Hop Journey from the Streets of Oakland to the Wild Wild West is a powerful solo show that weaves poetry, theater, dance, and hip hop music into a compelling performance that takes an unflinching look at the truth buried in the land beneath our feet and the legacy of theft and genocide.
Now Luckey has penned a new Curriculum Guide that explores the themes and questions raised in the show and the Free Land DVD. Combining social justice and art-based pedagogy, this engaging Guide features eight lessons which include creative activities, discussion questions, writing prompts, contemporary and historical photographs, resources, art projects, and more.
Along with the Free Land DVD, the Guide is a valuable tool in any U.S. History, Social Studies, or Humanities classroom and for use in social justice education programs.
- Forewards by Lakota Harden and Tim Wise
- SpeakOut Introduction by Felicia Gustin and Victor Lee Lewis
- Introduction by Ariel Luckey
- How to Use the Curriculum
- Lesson One - The Power of Perspective: Developing Historical Literacy
- Lesson Two - Family Stories, Common Ground
- Lesson Three - The Cost of Free Land: War on the Plains
- Lesson Four - Free Land: Manifest Destiny and the Homestead Act
- Lesson Five - Homeland History
- Lesson Six - Stolen Land, Sacred Sites
- Lesson Seven - The Politics of Power: Energy Justice on Native Land
- Lesson Eight - From Massacres to Mascots: Where Are We Now?
- Free Land Script
- Resources
- About Ariel Luckey
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Free Land: A Hip Hop Journey from the Streets of Oakland to the Wild Wild West
A young white man’s search for his roots takes him from the streets of Oakland to the prairies of Wyoming on an unforgettable journey into the heart of American history. During an interview with his grandfather he learns that their beloved family ranch was actually a Homestead, a free land grant from the government. Haunted by the past, he’s compelled to dig deeper into the history of the land, only to come face to face with the legacy of theft and genocide in the Wild Wild West. Free Land weaves poetry, theater, dance, and hip hop music into a compelling performance that challenges us to take an unflinching look at the truth buried in the land beneath our feet.
“Free Land does an extraordinary job communicating one of the most critical issues of the past to today’s audience. The history of land is important in understanding where we are today and the direction we are going as a global community. Free Land effectively articulates the truth… and is as phenomenal as it is thought provoking.”
— Rufus M. Spear, former Chairman of the Cultural Commission, Northern Cheyenne Tribe
“Ariel Luckey is one of those rare souls who can combine a passionate commitment to social justice with first-rate artistic sensibilities, creating in the process an experience for his audiences that is beyond merely moving: it is transformative. He also provides a shining example for those of us who are white and male, by challenging us all to be better allies in the fight for equity and true freedom. ”
— Tim Wise, anti-racist educator and author
“ I was moved to tears when my daughter and I saw Free Land and I have been raving about it ever since. I am glad to have such a wonderful young performer understand the plight of the ancestors and to remember those that came before us on this land.”
— Corrina Gould, Ohlone/Muwekma/Chochenyo, founder of Indian People Organizing for Change
