NOTE: If you are short on time, watch the video and complete this See, Think, Wonder activity: What did you notice? What did the story make you think? What would you want to learn more about?
SUMMARY
For the first time in the 236-year history of the U.S. Senate, two Black women are serving simultaneously. Geoff Bennett sat down with Sen. Angela Alsobrooks of Maryland and Sen. Lisa Blunt Rochester of Delaware for a conversation about breaking barriers, shaping history and how Democrats aim to meet the current political moment.
View the transcript of the story.
News alternative: Check out recent segments from the News Hour, 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.
WARM-UP QUESTIONS
- Who are Angela Alsobrooks and Lisa Blunt Rochester?
- What states do Alsobrooks and Blunt Rochester represent?
- Why is it significant that Alsobrooks and Blunt Rochester are serving at the same time?
- How many black women senators have there been in the history of the United States?
- Which former senator has been a mentor for both Alsobrooks and Blunt Rochester?
FOCUS QUESTIONS
Senators Alsobrooks and Blunt Rochester talk about the diversity of the people of the United States and the importance of representation of those different groups of people in government. What argument do they make for ensuring a body like the Senate represents the diversity of the United States?
Media literacy: What did Vice President Kamala Harris say to Lisa Blunt Rochester on the day she was sworn in? Why do you think this detail was covered in the story?
WHAT STUDENTS CAN DO
Read this article about Janelle Bynum, the first Black woman elected to congress in Oregon.
Watch the video below to learn about Ketanji Brown Jackson, the first black woman to serve on the Supreme Court.
Then, complete this Daily News Lesson to learn more about Brown Jackson's confirmation.
Fill out this form to share your thoughts on Classroom’s resources.
