The National School Boards Association (NSBA) has partnered with New Regency, Fox Searchlight, Penguin Books, and the filmmakers of “12 Years a Slave” to make copies of the acclaimed film, book and a study guide  available to America’s public high schools.

 

“This riveting story of injustice and brutality is a potent teaching and learning opportunity,” NSBA Executive Director Thomas J. Gentzel said.

 

“Telling the story of the evils of slavery to greater numbers of U.S. public high school students will help to ensure that this tragic chapter in our nation’s history is not forgotten.”

 

Educators who gain permission to teach “12 Years a Slave” to their students will receive a free kit which includes: a DVD copy of the film (edited version with disclaimer/parental consent requested); a paperback copy of the Penguin book; the “12 Years a Slave” printed study guide; and a letter from Steve McQueen.

 

Any U.S. public high school teacher with permission to add this to the high school curriculum may go to http://www.12yearsaslave.com and click on the button for teachers to opt in and request an educators’ toolkit for their school.

 

“12 Years a Slave,” winner of Best Motion Picture of the Year, as well as Best Supporting Actress and Best Adapted Screenplay at this year’s Academy Awards®, is a film that depicts the harrowing tale of a New York State-born free black man kidnapped in Washington, D.C.  in 1841 and sold into slavery.