Nevada Experience

GRANT SAWYER
Grades 9-12
Grant Sawyer: A man of courage and sacrifice.
1918-1996

Overview

A leading figure in Nevada politics, Grant Sawyer served two terms as Nevada's government from 1959-1967, during a controversial time period.

An Elko County native, Sawyer attended law school and returned to his hometown to practice law. He was appalled at the treatment of Blacks in Nevada and vowed to do something about discrimination if he ever had the opportunity.

Opportunity knocked when Sawyer was elected as Governor in 1959. Sawyer adroitly addressed the issues of discrimination and equality by making changes and pushing for legislation that brought about changes slower than he wanted but steadily moving Nevada away from its label of "Mississippi of the West."

Sawyer displayed courage at taking on this controversial and unpopular issue knowing it could affect his political career. Sawyer wanted to put 'equality in its proper place." This "ordinary man with extraordinary talents and abilities" served proudly as Governor to all the people of Nevada.

Objectives

Students will:

Understand the obstacles, prejudices, and discrimination suffered by Blacks in Nevada.
Become aware of Grant Sawyer's contributions to equality for all Nevada residents.
To examine Grant Sawyer's methods for seeking and obtaining changes for racial equality.
To compare racial events in Nevada with those happening in the United States during the same time period.
To evaluate the past and present status of racial equality.
To predict racial conditions in the next millennium.

Post-Viewing Activities

Review matrix and discuss.
Discuss Grant Sawyer's courage to make the difficult decisions.
Why do you think he continued to be enthusiastic about politics?
How did Sawyer see himself and his role as Governor?
What sacrifices did he make?
How have your definitions for courage and sacrifice changed? Explain.
Summarize Grant Sawyer's courage.
What was his ultimate sacrifice?

Distribute copies of the tiered timeline sheet. Have students complete it using the matrix and their notes. They should work in teams. On the last part of the timeline students should predict the future course for equality. Discuss this when finished or during a later class period.

Have students create a Venn diagram of the fight for civil rights In the United States and Nevada using the comparison matrix. After the completion of the Venn diagram students should write on the following: Is equality in its proper place today in the United States and/or Nevada? Explain on the backside of your Venn diagram.

Extensions

Complete a Venn Diagram.
Bring in a guest speaker.
Design a plaque honoring Grant Sawyer for his contributions.
Debate student predictions.
Create a political cartoon showing Grant Sawyer and equality.
Create a timeline of the civil rights in Nevada.
Create a visual organizer of the three segments of the video. Write down the events that occurred during each
segment and create visual representations of each time period.

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