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PAGE  PAGE 29 Ke Kaulike He Ha’awina Kiwila–Civics Hawaiian Style HS Lesson #6 Social Injustice In Hawai‘i Ke Kaulike He Ha‘awina Kīwila – Civics Hawaiian Style High School Lesson #6 –Social Injustice in Hawai‘i LESSON PURPOSE This lesson is designed to highlight some issues in Hawai‘i that ring of social injustice, with most materials focused on the 1930’s and 1940’s, and in particular, the Massie Trial of 1931. Readings are offered to instill relevance to this racially tense period of time and understanding of a story which attracted worldwide attention. Background information is offered to help explain some subtle underlying influences leading to this famous trial. An article also provides little known history of people of African heritage in Hawai‘i, a group whose presence and contributions preceded racial intolerance toward individuals with dark skin. These materials serve as excellent resources for Black History Month held each February. Before explorers, missionaries, merchants, and sugar planters from around the world reached the Kingdom of Hawai‘i, people of African ancestry were held in high regard. From an advisor to Kamehameha before 1796, to entrepreneurs and teachers, people with dark skin were accepted, with notable contributing citizens in the Kingdom of Hawai‘i. What happened to shift this, and why? Does racial injustice exist in Hawai‘i today, and if so… for who? What can people do to correct social injustice? Collectively, students can answer these questions and then design resolutions to address relevant issues. These activities were created to help students develop a deeper understanding of how people at the time of the Massie Trial were swept up in the foreign turmoil of racial hatred and injustice. It is also hoped that by exploring these social injustices, students will gain more empathy toward oppressed ethnic groups in Hawai‘i today. With this understanding of past and present issues, st