Thousands of African Americans were banished from their communities by violent mobs in the late nineteenth century and the early part of the twentieth. The banishments happened quickly, sometimes overnight. Mobs would often lynch one or more men and then go through town burning down homes and churches and shooting at individuals. The African Americans were told to leave immediately or die. In fear for their lives, they left behind their land, homes, and businesses, never to return. The documentary "Banished" focuses on these events in Forsyth County, Georgia; Pierce City, Missouri; and Harrison, Arkansas. It places this history in the context of present-day race relations. Through interviews with current residents and descendants of those who were driven out, the film contemplates questions of justice and reconciliation. This study guide provides a structure for examining the film in the classroom. "Teaching Banished" is organized into three sections: Pre-View, Viewing the Documentary, and Post-View. The guide concludes with suggested resources for further learning. In most Facing History and Ourselves classrooms, teachers and students reflect on their learning by keeping journals, and it may be helpful to have students write journal entries as they watch Banished. Using journals with students serves as a way to document their thinking, and can help them formulate their thoughts before a class discussion, reflect on given questions, and connect the content to their personal experiences. Teachers may want to begin the class by discussing guidelines for how students will talk to each other about the complicated and sensitive issues the film raises and how they can best listen to their classmates' thoughts and offer their own. "Banished: American Ethnic Cleansings" Transcript is appended. (Individual sections contain footnotes.) [Funding for this guide was provided by the Righteous Persons Foundation.]