Her Life Story
Representative Barbara Lee, (D-CA). Courtesy of the House of Representatives, US Congress.
Suggested Activities
APUSH Connection: 9.6: Challenges of the 21st Century
AP Government Connections:
- 2.1: Congress: The House of Representatives and the Senate
- 2.2: Structures, powers and function of Congress
- 2.3: Congressional Behavior
- 2.5: Checks on the presidency
- 5.9: Congressional Elections
Pair this life story with the collage of a 9/11 survivor. How were Americans feeling in the days following the attacks? How did that influence Congress’ vote on the AUMF and how did Barbara Lee caution against it?
Explore Barbara Lee’s political stance and continued influence on the AUMF with materials from the New-York Historical Society curriculum guide Opening the Oval with David M. Rubenstein: Understanding American Power.
Compare this life story to the life story of Jeannette Rankin, another female member of Congress who faced a similar situation during World War I and World War II.
Consider the role of women in politics during this period by combining this resource with Maxine Waters speaking on the Rodney King verdict, a testimony about music censorship, the Year of the Woman, Anita Hill’s testimony, Geraldine Ferraro’s acceptance speech, Hillary Clinton’s speech, and the life story of Sandra Day O’Connor.
For a larger lesson on the contributions of Black women during this period, combine this resource with the first female hip hop MC, Anita Hill’s testimony, feminist zines and music, and the life stories of Audre Lorde, Lois Curtis, and Miss Major Griffin-Gracy.
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