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April 4, 2023, 8:50 a.m.

The life and legacy of Cherokee photographer Jennie Ross Cobb

Summary

This past Women’s History Month, the NewsHour spotlighted figures whose contributions have often gone ignored by powerful players in society, including political leaders, book publishers and news editors. Let's look back at the work of Jennie Ross Cobb, pioneering Cherokee woman photographer, who captured personal images of her community.



For a transcript of this story, click here .



News wrap alternative : Check out recent segments from the NewsHour, and choose the story you’re most interested in watching!  You can make a Google doc copy of discussion questions that work for any of the stories here.

Five Facts

  • Who was Jennie Ross Cobb?
  • What were some causes she supported?
  • Where can you see some of her photographs?
  • How is photography different now compared to when Ross Cobb taking photographs?
  • Why is it important for Ross Cobb to be spotlighted?

Focus Questions

How can you find out more about untold, under-appreciated women in history? Why is this important to do?



Media Literacy : The NewsHour's story stated, "This Women’s History Month, we’re spotlighting figures whose contributions have often gone unseen." Why do you think the producers chose to use the word "unseen"? Who are the people who did not see the achievements of women such as Jennie Ross Cobb? What do you think of "unseen" as a word choice? Why or why not?



Alternative : See, Think, Wonder : What did you notice? What did the story make you think? What story would you want to find out more about? Where would you go to learn more?

For More



What students can do: Discuss with a friend or neighbor why women like Jennie Ross Cobb were ignored by lawmakers (often charged with celebrating individuals in their state, book publishers and journalists? Their job is to find stories, so what do you think happened that so many women got left out of newspaper stories and books? Skim the following three recent stories about inspirational women and write down similarities and differences between each one. Then discuss how we can do a better job recognizing, appreciating and celebrating women.

The life of Frances Marion, a trailblazer for women in Hollywood

A Brief But Spectacular take on being a women’s healthcare warrior

Woman who escaped kidnapper highlights often ignored plight of missing Black women

Student Video of the Day

" Women in STEM: Stereotypes can't stop me" " spellcheck="false"> #NoLabels " via Student Reporting Labs









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Illustrations by Annamaria Ward