The Mississippi Enterprise (Jackson, Miss.), February 26, 1944 (Mississippi’s Negro History Week Edition). 1944. Newspaper. Library of Congress Chronicling America. https://www.loc.gov/item/sn87065258/1944-02-26/ed-1/.
To begin the lesson, ask students what they notice about the photo. Why are the individuals all the same? Ask what the photo demonstrates about the role of African Americans in World War II. Students will see that soldiers from Texas were part of the Tuskegee Airmen. What challenges would these men face on and off of the military base in Texas during this time? How did the actions of these brave men help future young men?
During the early 20th century in Texas, most African Americans picked cotton and worked for sharecroppers. Yet African Americans played a major role in World War II, opening the door to more rights by demonstrating strength, pride, and determination despite obstacles.
Source: https://www.loc.gov/item/sn87065258/1944-02-26/ed-1/
Source: : https://www.loc.gov/item/sn87065258/1944-02-26/ed-1/
- How does this article reflect the efforts of African Americans to serve in the military during a time of segregation?
- What do you notice about the men in the picture on the first page?
- Why do you think they are on the front page?
- Where is this newspaper from?
- Extension Question: How did African Americans’ military service during WWII (including cadet experiences) build momentum for later civil rights efforts?
ELA Standard
7.6B. Write responses that demonstrate understanding of texts, including comparing sources within and across genres.
Social Studies Standard
7.6A. 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.
- Engage: Students will record responses in their notebooks.
- What they notice (visual details: setting, clothing)
- What they wonder (questions about)
- Students will engage in a Think-Pair-Share to answer three of the following questions. Students will write responses in their notebooks.
- How does the setting help you understand their occupation?
- How do you think the cadets feel being the first to train for this occupation in segregated Texas?
- What does their posture say about their confidence?
- How do you think segregation and discrimination impacted these military men and their families?
- The following links provide different and complimentary contexts for African American service in WW II. Divide students into groups and ask them how this article adds to their understanding and present their findings to the class.
- Negro Lieutenant Receives Wings This photo shows a sister pinning wings on her brother. The siblings are both in the military. Why is this significant?
- Luther Mc Ilwain This article provides a brief glimpse into the experience of an African American bombardier/navigator during World War II. Information is provided about his experience in applying for the army, his training, and life. After reading, students will determine what his life says about perseverance and leadership.
- Stewart B. Fulbright A former captain and Tuskegee airman details his experiences as an African American pilot during segregation. Students will be able to see how segregation and discrimination impacted these brave men.
- Students will conduct research with a partner to determine the following: Why has the name of what Black people are called in the United States changed from colored to negro to African American?
The Dayton Forum (Dayton, Ohio), December 17, 1943. 1943. Newspaper. Library of Congress Chronicling America. https://www.loc.gov/item/sn84024234/1943-12-17/ed-1/.