Gotfryd, Bernard. Barbara Jordan, Congresswoman, 1972–78. Between 1972 and 1978. Photograph. Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division. https://www.loc.gov/item/2020731393/.
Students view a portrait of Barbara Jordan to determine what they know about this person and what they can tell by her demeanor in the photograph. Students will determine why she is significant in the world of Texas politics and will link her to key events in Texas and national history. Students will make assumptions about what her voice sounds like just based on the picture and will reflect on this initial idea once they hear her speeches.
Barbara Jordan was born and raised in the historically Black neighborhood of Fifth Ward in Houston, Texas. She rose from humble beginnings to be the first Southern Black Woman in the House of Representatives and the first African American woman elected to the Texas Senate since Reconstruction.
- What do you notice about Barbara Jordan’s body language?
- Why do you think this photo is significant in Texas history?
- What can you say about Barbara Jordan’s facial expression?
- What does the photo tell you about Barbara Jordan as a leader?
- Extension Questions: How does seeing this photo today differ from how people felt when it was taken? How might this image reinforce or challenge stereotypes of politicians, particularly Black women, in the 1970s?
ELA Standard
7.9C. Author's purpose and craft. Analyze the author’s use of print and graphic features to achieve specific purposes.
Social Studies Standard
7.17B. Citizenship. Identify the contributions of Texas leaders such as Lawrence Sullivan “Sul” Ross, John Nance Garner (“Cactus Jack”), James A. Baker III, Henry B. González, Kay Bailey Hutchison, Barbara Jordan, Raymond L. Telles, Sam Rayburn, and Raul A. Gonzalez Jr.
Students adjust their use of spoken, written, and visual language (e.g., conventions, style, vocabulary) to communicate effectively with a variety of audiences and for different purposes.
- Preview key elements of Barbara Jordan’s life so students have context for her impact.
- Biography This site provides a breakdown of Barbara Jordan’s life. She is also pictured in the article.
- Her voice and eloquence were as powerful as was her belief in the constitution. Her voice was a distinct feature and was itself an impact factor.
- Her time as a professor at Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs demonstrates the impact she had on others. The site has visuals and testimonies of former students.
- Students will analyze a primary visual source to observe and note what they see about her posture, attire, facial expression, and setting. Discuss as a class after students complete questions.
- What do you notice?
- What questions do you have?
- Who do you think she is?
- What does the photo/speech tell you about Barbara Jordan’s beliefs and roles in history?
- Students will complete a Think-Pair-Share to answer the following questions.
- How did Barbara Jordan’s life as a child shape her public role?
- How might her words influence others?
- Why do you think she carried the Constitution all the time?
- Students create a timeline of Barbara Jordan’s accomplishments.
- Students write a speech opposing a school rule.
Leffler, Warren K. Keynote address by Representative Barbara Jordan, Democratic National Convention, July 12, 1976. 1976. Photograph. Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division. https://www.loc.gov/item/2002712192/.