Triple Nickles

The Triple Nickles (555th) were created during World War II.  The 555th were named after an infantry of Buffalo soldiers from the late 1800’s.  This colored unit was subject to racist laws and intolerance.  African American’s served in strictly supportive roles for the white soldiers at Fort Benning. Until Walter Morris decided to enact change.  He wrote a letter to his superiors suggesting the formation of an all black airborne unit.  He expected negative feedback or to be fired.  Instead he was granted his wish.  The white officers did not think they would last.  The group of soldiers were organized and rigorously trained. The group began with seventy volunteers and grew to the thousands.  In 1945 the Triple Nickles were used in Operation Firefly.  They fought fires in the Pacific Northwest set ablaze by thousands of Japanese balloon bombs  They were pioneers in combating forest fires.  Soon the Triple Nickles would be known as “Smokejumpers.”   They succeeded when no one thought they would.  His expression, “This is my county, This is my duty, This is my responsibility,” is powerful.

Lowell Milken Center

Unsung Hero Museum
Great source of Information.

Diverse Curricula and Unsung Heroes

The Case for More Diverse School Curricula is very important to student achievement.  This concept is widely accepted and valued. This article by Joshua Ddamulira highlights clinical research and highlights benefits of more perspectives.  It references the Third World Liberation Front that fought for a more inclusive program and won in 1968 in California.  Highlighting unsung heroes achieves this goal. (Jan.11th, 2018 article from New America Weekly)

Roosevelt Franklin

Roosevelt Franklin was designed and voiced by Matt Robinson to represent Black youth on Sesame Street.  He appeared on the show in the 1970s.  People still remember him today.  I believe we should communicate with children in whatever ways they understand.  Including unsung heroes achieves that goal.  Children need to see themselves in history lessons.

Patsy Mink: Hawaiian Trailblazer

In 1970, Patsy Takemoto Mink came before the Senate for the hearing of George Carswell, a Supreme Court Nominee.  She was the first non-white and Asian American women elected to Congress in 1964.  She was a representative from Hawaii and a graduate from the University of Chicago.  Her work brought to the light the inequalities of women in the workforce. The judge she opposed for the Supreme Court refused to hear a case based on gender inequality.   Mink’s work drew attention to the unfair treatment of women in the United States.  She pushed for legislation to support better children care and early childhood.  She was an independently minded person who was not scared to speak her mind.  She served in Congress for 12 years and overcame tremendous obstacles in her lifetime.   Her work as a trailblazing politician is often overlooked.     

Barrio Soldiers

American history is filled with men and women who have been forgotten and marginalized.  Another group of soldiers you may not have heard of hailed from the barrios of Texas.  After the bombing of Pearl Harbor, this group of Latinos volunteered for World War II.  They served in the 141st Infantry E Company.  Students need to see diverse perspectives .  When students read about heroes from their own heritage it instills a sense of pride.  In addition, when students learn about heroes from different cultures it instills an increased sense of appreciation.  

Unsung Suffragettes

 Women's Suffrage

Think Globally, Highlight Locally

Celebrate your community's suffragists.

March/April 2020 www.nysut.org

Civil Rights Leaders & Labor Leaders

In 1957 the Little Rock Public School was the center of attention during the Civil Rights movement.  Nine brave souls fought for justice and equality.  The Little Rock Nine  are very well studied and honored.  In class I usually play the video of the United States Army escorting them into school.  But did you know it was also the location for en epic equal pay law suit.  African American teachers in Arkansas were paid significantly unequally.  White teachers in high school were paid $856 annually while black high school teachers were paid $567 annually. White elementary teachers were paid $526 annually while black elementary teachers were paid $331 annually.   Sue Cowan Morris fought for equal pay for African American teachers alongside the NAACP.
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Also check out Harriet Elizabeth Brown  another Labor Leader who pushed for equality for teachers.