Keep the Heart Beating: Why Historic Sites Must Remain Living Communities
Walk down Vilakazi Street in Soweto, South Africa, and your senses are instantly flooded. You will hear the rhythmic beat of street musicians, the laughter of children playing, the sizzle of local food cooking, and the chatter of residents greeting one another. This famous street holds a unique place in global history as the only street in the world to have been home to two Nobel Peace Prize laureates: Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu. Because of this monumental legacy, some urban planners and historians argue that such historic sites should be quiet, highly regulated "museum zones" designed purely for solemn contemplation. However, turning Vilakazi Street into a sterile, silent monument would be a profound mistake. Historic sites of struggle and triumph must remain active, living communities to truly honor the legacies of those who fought for their freedom.
- laureate:
- A person who is honored with an award for outstanding creative or intellectual achievement.
- museumify:
- To turn a living, active area into a static, highly regulated museum-like space.
- pristine:
- In its original condition; completely clean, fresh, and unspoiled.
- resilience:
- The capacity to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness.
- vibrancy:
- The state of being full of energy, life, and activity.
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Preview questions from this passageShowHide
- 1According to the text, what makes Vilakazi Street in Soweto unique in global history?
- 2What do some urban planners and historians argue should happen to historic sites like Vilakazi Street?
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About this opinion piece passage for Middle School
âKeep the Heart Beating: Why Historic Sites Must Remain Living Communitiesâ is a opinion piece reading passage about Historic Preservation and Living Communities, written for Middle School. It takes about 4 minutes to read (525 words) and comes with an interactive quiz and a printable worksheet with comprehension questions and an answer key.