The Chicago Whip (Chicago, Ill.), October 7, 1922. 1922. Newspaper. Library of Congress Chronicling America. https://www.loc.gov/item/sn86056950/1922-10-07/ed-1/.
To begin the lesson, students will pair up to analyze the photo. What message does her posture, clothing, and airplane convey? Then share a brief excerpt from the article to provide context on her lectures. Students should reflect on how she broke gender and racial barriers to fly. Students record responses in their journal to share in a discussion.
During the time of Bessie Coleman’s success, she had to overcome many obstacles. Despite the odds stacked against her, she was able to become successful in a field she loved until tragedy struck.
Source: https://www.loc.gov/item/sn86056950/1922-10-07/ed-1/
Source: : https://www.loc.gov/item/sn86056950/1922-10-07/ed-1/
- Why would the newspaper choose to include the photo and not just words?
- What messages do her posture, clothing, and airplane convey?
- Extension Question: How did Bessie Coleman’s accomplishments challenge both racial and gender stereotypes of the 1920s?
ELA standard
7.6C. Response. Use text evidence to support an appropriate response.
Social Studies Standard
7.6A. History. Identify significant individuals, events, and issues, including the factors leading to the expansion of the Texas frontier, the effects of westward expansion on American Indians, the buffalo soldiers, and Quanah Parker.
Students read a wide range of print and non-print texts to build an understanding of texts, of themselves, and of the cultures of the United States and the world; to acquire new information; to respond to the needs and demands of society and the workplace; and for personal fulfillment. Among these texts are fiction and nonfiction, classic and contemporary works.
- Bessie Coleman was first and foremost a Texan, albeit an often omitted one from history and literature instruction. She was born in Atlanta, Texas, in 1892, and later her family moved to Waxahachie, Texas, where she spent her early childhood before moving to Chicago and eventually becoming the world’s first Black woman aviator. Students should take some time to research her early life in Texas and discover what made her love aviation.
- The Women's History Biography of Bessie Coleman provides a glimpse of Coleman’s early life while explaining her journey to become an aviator. A brief video is included. Students will be able to discover some of the barriers Bessie Coleman faced.
- Students will analyze the photo and complete a three-column chart about what they see, think, and wonder. Use the following questions to guide learner explorations.
- What does the photo say about the early 20th century?
- What new information do you now have that you didn’t before? What does Bessie Coleman’s journey from Texas, to Chicago, to France reveal about her character?
- What barriers did Bessie Coleman overcome to become a pilot?
- Why is Bessie Coleman’s story of courage significant to Texas and US history?
- Why is Bessie Coleman’s bravery significant to women’s history?
- If you were Bessie Coleman in the photo, what would you be thinking?
- What lessons can be learned from Bessie Coleman’s determination?
- Explain how Bessie Coleman broke barriers to inspire others today.
- Students should explain the meaning of Bessie Coleman’s quote, “The air is the only place free from prejudices.”
- Additional resources for this lesson include:
- The National Air and Space Museum also provides background on Bessie Coleman’s life. Information about Coleman’s impact on others is included. Students will read about her courageous actions.
The Omaha Guide (Omaha, Neb.), June 15, 1935. 1935. Newspaper. Library of Congress Chronicling America. https://www.loc.gov/item/sn93062828/1935-06-15/ed-1/.