English - State Bar of Texas
English - State Bar of Texas
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Presented by the <strong>State</strong> <strong>Bar</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Texas</strong>Welcome! I was the first. Vote for Me! brings to life the important firsts in United<strong>State</strong>s and <strong>Texas</strong> history who are part <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Texas</strong> Essential Knowledge and Skills(TEKS) standards for <strong>Texas</strong> elementary students.This book enables students to explore 22 historical figures who have made noteworthycontributions to society, paving the way to today. After reading the stories,students can access materials at texasbar.com/iwasthefirst to vote for thehistoric first they believe is the most significant. A fictional school will be namedafter the historic first who receives the most votes.I was the first. Vote for Me! allows for lessons in civics education, citizenship,reading, voting, and math. To view animations <strong>of</strong> the historical figures and toaccess additional educational tools, go to texasbar.com/iwasthefirst.The <strong>State</strong> <strong>Bar</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Texas</strong> thanks Charlene Randall, Kathy Aldridge, Jeanne Wray,Jerry Perry, and Tim Bryant — the outstanding educators whose tireless effortsmade this project a reality that will benefit <strong>Texas</strong> students for many years to come.In addition, thank you to the <strong>Texas</strong> <strong>Bar</strong> Foundation for its ongoing support for the<strong>State</strong> <strong>Bar</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Texas</strong> and civics education, especially for I was the first. Vote for Me!
George WashingtonI’m George Washington andI was elected the first president<strong>of</strong> the United <strong>State</strong>s. I neverever failed to do whatever mycountry needed me to do.I helped ourcountry becomean independentnation by leadingthe colonialarmy against theBritish duringthe AmericanRevolution.In 1776, I led ourtroops in a surpriseattack against ourenemy across the icyDelaware River.I believed that citizenshave a duty to serve theircountry, work hard, and betruthful. Vote for me!I was also president <strong>of</strong> theConstitutional Convention where ournation’s Constitution was written.1
Amelia EarhartI’m AmeliaEarhart and Iwas the firstwoman to flyalone across theAtlantic Ocean.During World War I,I volunteered for the RedCross and also helpedwounded soldiers as anurse’s aid in Canada.I set many aviation records,including being the first personto fly alone over both theAtlantic and Pacific oceans!In 1937, I attemptedto fly around the world.Unfortunately, no one everheard from my navigatoror me again.I believe womenmust try to do thingsas men have tried.When they fail, theirfailure must be but achallenge to others.Vote for me!2
Martin Luther King Jr.I’m Martin Luther King Jr.and I was the first Americancitizen in the 20th centuryto have a federal holidaydesignated in my name.I was a civil rights leader andhelped end legal segregation <strong>of</strong>African American citizens.In 1955, I organized amajor civil rights protest calledthe Montgomery Bus Boycott.At age 35, becauseI fought for equalityusing peaceful means,I became the youngestman to receive theNobel Peace Prize.I have a dream that my four little childrenwill one day live in a nation where they will notbe judged by the color <strong>of</strong> their skin but by thecontent <strong>of</strong> their character. Vote for me!3
Irma RangelI’m IrmaRangel and I wasthe first MexicanAmericanwoman electedto serve in the<strong>Texas</strong> House <strong>of</strong>Representatives.I was a pioneer <strong>of</strong>Mexican American rightsand worked hard toimprove education andopportunities for menand women <strong>of</strong> all races.I was a teacher for 14years. I then earned a lawdegree in San Antonio, <strong>Texas</strong>,and opened a practice inKingsville, <strong>Texas</strong>.As a legislator, I servedmy South <strong>Texas</strong> district for 26years. I was the first and onlywoman to chair the MexicanAmerican Legislative Caucus.I believeeducation andhard work arevery important.Vote for me!4
Code TalkersI’m one <strong>of</strong> the Native Americansoldiers who served as a code talkerfor the United <strong>State</strong>s Army. DuringWorld War I, the first code talkerswere Choctaw Indians from Oklahoma.Other code talkersduring World War Iincluded Cherokee,Comanche, Cheyenne,and soldiers fromdifferent Indian tribesall over America. Navajocode talkers servedduring World War II.We sent secretmessages in thebattlefield using codein our native language.No one could figureout what we weresaying, including theJapanese army.We wereable to create anunbreakable codethat confused ourenemy and helpedus win the war.Vote for me!The Code Talkers Recognition Act <strong>of</strong>2008 recognized every Native Americancode talker who served in the United<strong>State</strong>s military during WWI and WWII.5
Benjamin FranklinI’m BenjaminFranklin and I wasthe first personin the Americasto invent thelightning rod.I was a scientist,inventor, printer, writer,and statesman.As the minister to France, I helped negotiatetreaties such as the famous Treaty <strong>of</strong> Paris,which ended the Revolutionary War betweenGreat Britain and the United <strong>State</strong>s.Of all the founding fathers, I wasthe only one to have signed three <strong>of</strong>the major documents that helped usbecome an independent nation: theDeclaration <strong>of</strong> Independence, theTreaty <strong>of</strong> Paris, and the Constitution.I believe early tobed and early to risemakes a man healthy,wealthy, and wise.Vote for me!6
<strong>Bar</strong>bara JordanI’m <strong>Bar</strong>bara Jordan and Iwas the first African Americanelected to the <strong>Texas</strong> Senate.I receivedmy law degreefrom BostonUniversity. In1960, I startedworking asa lawyer inHouston, <strong>Texas</strong>.While helpingregister AfricanAmerican voters, Iwas inspired to runfor public <strong>of</strong>fice.I was the firstAfrican Americanwoman from the Southelected to the United<strong>State</strong>s House <strong>of</strong>Representatives.We believe in equalityfor all and privileges fornone. Vote for me!7
442nd Regimental Combat TeamI’m one <strong>of</strong>the soldiers whoserved in theUnited <strong>State</strong>sArmy 442ndRegimentalCombat Team.Our unit wasthe first tobe composedentirely <strong>of</strong>Americans<strong>of</strong> Japaneseancestry.We fought for ourcountry in World War II eventhough our families weresubject to captivity and therewas prejudice against us.During World War II,we mainly fought in Italy,France, and Germany.Our motto was:“Go for broke.” Werisked it all to win it all.Vote for me!We were considered to be the mostdecorated infantry regiment in thehistory <strong>of</strong> the United <strong>State</strong>s Army.8
César ChávezI’m César Chávez and I wasthe first person in Americanhistory to organize a successfulfarm workers union.As a laborleader and civilrights activist,I dedicated mylife to improvingworking conditions,treatment, andcompensation forfarm workers.After serving in the Navy, I returned toCalifornia to work in the fields. I led non-violentmarches, called for produce boycotts, and went onseveral hunger strikes in support <strong>of</strong> workers’ rights.The fight is neverabout grapes or lettuce. Itis always about the people.Vote for me!In 1962, Dolores Huerta and Ifounded the National Farm WorkersAssociation, which later became theUnited Farm Workers <strong>of</strong> America.9
Sam HoustonI’m SamHouston and Iwas the firstpresident <strong>of</strong>the Republic <strong>of</strong><strong>Texas</strong>.In 1832, I movedto <strong>Texas</strong>. I became ageneral in the <strong>Texas</strong>Army and fought in thewar for independencefrom Mexico.At the Battle <strong>of</strong>San Jacinto, my forcesdefeated Mexican GeneralSanta Anna and his army.Later, when <strong>Texas</strong> becamea state, I served in Congressand became its first governor.The city <strong>of</strong>Houston wasfounded andnamed after mein 1836. Votefor me!10
Eleanor RooseveltI’m Eleanor Rooseveltand I was the first FirstLady to openly expressmy opinions throughpress conferences, radiobroadcasts, and a dailynewspaper column.In 1905, I married Franklin D.Roosevelt, who was president <strong>of</strong> theUnited <strong>State</strong>s from 1933 to 1945,longer than anyone else in history.As First Lady <strong>of</strong> the United<strong>State</strong>s, I traveled to many places,speaking out in support <strong>of</strong> humanrights. I also visited U.S. soldiersoverseas during World War II.I was the firstchairperson <strong>of</strong> theUnited NationsHuman Rightscommission,and I helped writethe UniversalDeclaration <strong>of</strong>Human Rights.You must do the thingsyou think you cannot do.Vote for me!11
Thurgood MarshallI’m ThurgoodMarshall and Iwas our nation’sfirst AfricanAmericanSupreme Courtjustice.I was also a leader in thecivil rights movement andfought for new protectionsfor women, children,prisoners, and the homeless.I later became the chief counselfor the National Association for theAdvancement <strong>of</strong> Colored People andargued many civil rights casesbefore the Supreme Court.In 1954, I argued andwon a major case before theU.S. Supreme Court that ledto ending racial segregationin public schools.As a U.S.Supreme Courtjustice, I heardmany cases. Ialways favoredhuman and civilrights. Vote for me!12
Neil ArmstrongI’m Neil Armstrongand I was the first personto walk on the moon.I earned mypilot’s license whenI was 16 and laterbecame a pilotin the U.S. Navyduring the KoreanWar. During thatwar, I flew 78combat missionsand earned threemedals for courageand bravery.In 1962, I became a NASA astronaut.As the command pilot for Gemini 8, I was thefirst civilian astronaut to fly in space.I becamethe spacecraftcommander forApollo 11, the firstmission to land aman on the moon.That’s onesmall step for man,one giant leap formankind. Vote for me!13
Ruby BridgesI’m RubyBridges and Iwas one <strong>of</strong> thefirst AfricanAmerican childrento attend anall-white publicelementaryschool in theSouth. I was sixyears old.Federal marshalsescorted me to class toprotect me from angrypeople who did not want meto attend the school.The only person who agreedto teach me was <strong>Bar</strong>bara Henry.I was the only student in herclass that entire year.In 2001, PresidentBill Clinton awarded thePresidential CitizensMedal to me for mybravery and courage.Don’t follow thepath. Go where thereis no path and start atrail. Vote for me!14
Wallace B. JeffersonI’m Wallace B. Jefferson andI was the first African Americanjustice, and later, chief justice <strong>of</strong>the Supreme Court <strong>of</strong> <strong>Texas</strong>.One <strong>of</strong> myancestors wasShedrick Willis,a slave whowas owned bya Waco, <strong>Texas</strong>,judge beforethe Civil War.In 1988, I earned my lawdegree from the University <strong>of</strong><strong>Texas</strong> School <strong>of</strong> Law.By the age <strong>of</strong>35, I had argued andwon two cases beforethe United <strong>State</strong>sSupreme Court.If we educateourselves, we canbecome anythingwe want to be.Vote for me!15
John HancockI’m JohnHancock andas president <strong>of</strong>the ContinentalCongress, I wasthe first to signthe Declaration<strong>of</strong> Independencein July <strong>of</strong> 1776.As a wealthymerchant, I spoke outagainst unfair Britishtaxes on the colonists.In 1770, I demandedthe removal <strong>of</strong> Britishforces after the BostonMassacre, where Britishtroops killed five civilians.I became thefirst governor <strong>of</strong>Massachusetts andserved through the end <strong>of</strong>the Revolutionary War.I was known formy patriotism, andI was dedicated tothe American causefor independence.Vote for me!16
Raúl A. González Jr.I’m Raúl A. González Jr.and I was the first MexicanAmerican to serve on the <strong>Texas</strong>Supreme Court and to beelected to a statewide <strong>of</strong>fice.I was rearedin the Rio GrandeValley <strong>of</strong> <strong>Texas</strong>,where I workedhard in the fieldswith my parents.They were migrantfarm workersfrom Mexico.In 1963, I graduated from theUniversity <strong>of</strong> <strong>Texas</strong> at Austin andlater earned a law degree at theUniversity <strong>of</strong> Houston.I was appointed tothe <strong>Texas</strong> Supreme Courtin 1984 and served as ajustice until 1998.At a young age, Ilearned the importance <strong>of</strong>working hard and gettingan education. Vote for me!17
Thomas JeffersonI’m ThomasJefferson andI was the firstauthor <strong>of</strong> theDeclaration <strong>of</strong>Independence in1776.I was also thefirst Secretary <strong>of</strong><strong>State</strong> when GeorgeWashington waspresident.I later became the thirdpresident <strong>of</strong> the United<strong>State</strong>s and lived on aVirginia plantation where Ibuilt my home, Monticello.For 50 years, I served thiscountry in many roles — asa member <strong>of</strong> the ContinentalCongress, governor,Secretary <strong>of</strong> <strong>State</strong>, vicepresident, and president.I’m most proud<strong>of</strong> starting theUniversity <strong>of</strong> Virginia.Vote for me!18
Susan B. AnthonyI’m Susan B.Anthony and I was thefirst woman to havemy likeness appear onUnited <strong>State</strong>s currency,the dollar coin. It wasin recognition <strong>of</strong> mydedication and hardwork in obtaining equalrights for women.Before theCivil War, I wasalso involved inthe anti-slaveryand temperancemovements.In 1852, I joinedthe women’s rightsmovement and gavespeeches across thecountry, traveling bywagon, stagecoach,carriage, and train.I alwayssaid failureis impossible.Vote for me!In 1920, 14 years after mydeath, the 19th Amendment to theU.S. Constitution was passed givingwomen the right to vote.19
Héctor P. GarcíaI’m Dr.Héctor P. Garcíaand I was thefirst MexicanAmerican toreceive thePresidentialMedal <strong>of</strong>Freedom, thehighest civilianaward given bythe president<strong>of</strong> the United<strong>State</strong>s.During World WarII, I served in the U.S.Army and was awardeda Bronze Star and 6Battle Stars.When the war was over, I settled inCorpus Christi, <strong>Texas</strong>, where I starteda private medical practice. I treated allpatients regardless <strong>of</strong> their ability to pay.In 1948, I founded theAmerican GI Forum to helpMexican Americans fightlegal and political battlesagainst discrimination.I believed in theAmerican dream andjustice for my people.Vote for me!20
Abraham LincolnI’m Abraham Lincoln and Iwas the first to issue an orderproclaiming all slaves in Confederateterritory would be forever free.In 1809, I wasborn in a log cabinin Kentucky. I lovedto read and beganstudying law when Iwas 21 years old.I became the 16thpresident <strong>of</strong> the United<strong>State</strong>s in 1861. During mypresidency, the Union Armydefeated the Confederate<strong>State</strong>s Army in the Civil War.Unfortunately,I was the firstpresident <strong>of</strong> theUnited <strong>State</strong>s tobe assassinated. Iwas shot by JohnWilkes Booth atFord’s Theatre inWashington, D.C.People called meHonest Abe because Ibelieved that telling thetruth was important.Vote for me!21
<strong>Bar</strong>ack Obama Jr.I was elected to the Illinois<strong>State</strong> Senate in 1996 andthe U.S. Senate in 2004.I’m <strong>Bar</strong>ack Obama Jr. and Iwas the first African Americanpresident <strong>of</strong> the United <strong>State</strong>s.In 2008, I waselected president <strong>of</strong>the United <strong>State</strong>s andreelected in 2012.In 2009, I was the fourthpresident <strong>of</strong> the United <strong>State</strong>s toreceive the Nobel Peace Prize.America is madeup <strong>of</strong> people who giveus the courage to liftone another up, tokeep up the fight, towork and build uponall that is good in ournation. Vote for me!22
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HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHAccess other civics education resources:texaslre.orgtexasbar.com/civicstyla.orgtexasbar.com/iwasthefirst