At a time when the mainstream media chose not to cover widespread discrimination and violence towards blacks, African-American journalists made many brave decisions to both cover and publish violent content. Because of the work of the black press, the American public was exposed to the discrimination facing, and horrendous acts of violence suffered by, African-Americans. This public awareness would eventually lead to the passage of the Civil Rights Act.

This is not a chronological history lesson. This lesson, instead, asks students to critically examine a historical event with which they are already familiar. Prior to this lesson, students should have a basic understanding of the Civil Rights Movement.

The lesson uses the following videos. For additional videos, a historical timeline on the topic and more, view Moments of Truth: Civil Rights.

While the U.S. government created overly optimistic materials that glorified the the Vietnam War, media outlets reported on the reality. Eventually, the public noticed the discrepancies between the government and media reports. Their newfound awareness eventually led to increased public pressure that put an end to the Vietnam War.

This is not a chronological history lesson. This lesson, instead, asks students to critically examine a historical event with which they are already familiar. Prior to this lesson, students should have a basic understanding of the Vietnam War.

The lesson uses the following video. For additional videos, a historical timeline on the topic and more, view Moments of Truth: Vietnam War.

The existence of the free press is what allowed the media to lead the investigation into Nixon following the Watergate scandal. Government investigations of the alleged wiretapping and secret recordings were influenced by the reporting by the media at the time. Journalists brought attention to the connection between Nixon's re-election and the illicit activities, and their work helped bring the truth about the scandal to the public.

This is not a chronological history lesson. This lesson, instead, asks students to critically examine a historical event with which they are already familiar. Prior to this lesson, students should have a basic understanding of the Watergate scandal.

The lesson uses the following video. For additional videos, a historical timeline on the topic and more, view Moments of Truth: Watergate.

During the aftermath of the attacks on 9/11, the media was in a position to be manipulated by the government, and fell short in reporting on the secret CIA prisons and the true motives for going to war in the Middle East. Journalists started investigating the government to uncover details about the military actions at the time.

This is not a chronological history lesson. This lesson, instead, asks students to critically examine a historical event with which they are already familiar. Prior to this lesson, students should have a basic understanding of the post-9/11 media.

The lesson uses the following videos. For additional videos, a historical timeline on the topic and more, view Moments of Truth: Post 9/11.

The media played a major role in bringing down Joseph McCarthy. While he made accusations about communists and started a major witch hunt in the American political scene, journalists worked to expose his lies and end the unrest and widespread claims of treason.

This is not a chronological history lesson. This lesson, instead, asks students to critically examine a historical event with which they are already familiar. Prior to this lesson, students should have a basic understanding of McCarthyism.

The lesson uses the following video. For additional videos, a historical timeline on the topic and more, view Moments of Truth: McCarthyism.

Many media outlets shy away from exposing corporate power. When journalists do investigate and report on abuses of corporate power, however, they do a major public service and can save lives by bringing the truth to light.

This is not a chronological history lesson. This lesson, instead, asks students to critically examine a historical event with which they are already familiar. Prior to this lesson, students should have a basic understanding of corporate power and the media.

The lesson uses the following video. For additional videos, a historical timeline on the topic and more, view Moments of Truth: Corporate Power.