Barbara C. Jordan is known as one of the most influential women in Texas and U.S. history. She was a political trailblazer who paved the way for many people, including women and people of color. Barbara Jordan possessed skills as a speaker, advocate, and teacher.
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Other Units
Lessons
Most lessons contain downloadable and printable documents, activities, and other resources to aid in classroom instruction. Lesson materials are available in multiple formats and typically contain variations based on learning needs.
From Student to Stateswoman: The Life and Legacy of Barbara Jordan
Unit Plan # 1
90 min
none
717A
717B
720A
720B
Barbara Jordan Extension Lesson
Barbara Jordan was a known advocate for women’s rights during her lifetime. For this extension lesson, students will analyze the text of Jordan’s famous “Jack and Jill” speech in which she addresses the lack of equality between men and women during the 1970s. Students will also create a map showing places that she impacted during her career.
Extension
60 min
none
717A
717B
720A
720B
76AELA
76CELA
Maps
We've assembled the following list of maps that are applicable to the Civil Rights Unit.
Texas
"Map shows Texas highways, major roads, railroads, counties, cities, towns, major lakes and reservoirs, and national parks."
Texas tourism map
"A pictorial map showing some of the tourist attractions in the state of Texas. For example, the Alamo and Tower of the Americas are shown for San Antonio and some attractions in the cities of Dallas and Ft. Worth, Houston, and Corpus Christi are also pictured."
Trinity basin master plan
"Map shows reservoirs and lakes along the Trinity River from Gainesville to Houston Texas."
Occupancy map - business area, Fort Worth, Texas
"Map shows business names and locations, public institutions, streets names, parks, parking lots, block and possibly lot numbers."
Texas
"Map shows historic roads and trails, counties, major cities and towns, lakes, parks, and forests. Includes legend, text, and tables: of 'Lands and Mineral Estate of Permanent School Fund, and Lands and Mineral Estate of Permanent University Fund.'"
Texas official highway map: Summer edition
"Map shows mid-twentieth century Texas state roadways. Includes legend, index, and inset maps of Texas cities and routes between cities."
CBD Topics System Map
"Map of the Bexar County Central Business District's existing and proposed street system."
Southern Pacific Transportation Company Right of Way and Track Map Dallas
"Rail corridor right of way and track map in Dallas, Texas. Schedules are included on map."
Videos
We provide videos for both continuing education and classroom use. Please see each video's descriptive page for related resources and details about accessibility and viewing options.
The Legacy of Barbara Jordan
Dr. Karen L. Kossie-Chernyshev shares stories highlighting the life and achievements of Barbara Jordan, a trailblazing African American leader from Houston, Texas. Overcoming racial and gender discrimination, Jordan became the first Black woman to serve in the Texas State Senate and later, the first African American woman from the South to be elected to the U.S. Congress. Known for her eloquence, she became a national figure through her speeches on civil rights and the Constitution, most notably during the Watergate hearings and the 1976 Democratic National Convention.
Preview of Civil Rights Era
An introduction to how Texas became a crucial battleground during the civil rights era. Historian Andrew Torget highlights the brave efforts of African-American and Mexican-American leaders who fought discrimination after World War II—winning landmark legal victories, securing voting rights, and reshaping the nation. You’ll be introduced to groups like L.U.L.A.C and the N.A.A.C.P. and leaders like Henry Gonzalez, Heman Sweatt, and Barbara Jordan and discover how Texans helped lead the movement for equality across America.
Road to Civil Rights
ASL + narration version only, covering the lead up to the Civil Rights Movement in Texas. Covers Mexican americans and LULAC, African Americans and the NAACP, and the aftermath of the Brown Decisions.
Civil Rights, Struggles and Victories
ASL + narration version only, covering the the Civil Rights Era in Texas. Covers desegregation in Texas Schools, a crisis at Mansfield High School, the return of the Republican Party, JFK and LBJ, and the Civil Rights and Voting Rights Acts.
More Resources
The following list of resources provide additional information to help you dive deeper into the context of the unit. Books are linked to OCLC WorldCat, allowing you find a copy in your nearest local library or to make a request for it using interlibrary loan.
General
website Results for The Civil Rights Era in The Portal to Texas History
Digital copies of primary sources and other documents from our about this time period contributed to The Portal to Texas History by institutional partners from across the State.