A Guide to Primary Resources for U.S. History : Tuskegee Airmen: A Segregated Unit Chicago Historical Society This digital resource presents several interviews by oral historian Studs Terkel. The pertinent one from this webpage is the first clip of his conversation with Lowell Steward and Colonel Gleed (File # chs-st-gwa0a1). Mr. Steward is an African American from Los Angeles who was sent reluctantly to the Tuskegee Air Base to serve with the 332 Fighter Group. Coming from the ethnic city of Los Angeles, he resented the racism he found in the South and being forced to join a segregated fighting unit. (Primary source material). - On a map show students the location of the Tuskegee base and Los Angeles then ask students how life might have been different between these two places before they listen to the interviews. - Ask students if they think segregation was present in the military during the time of World War II. Have them discuss this with a neighbor, and if so have them describe how the experiences between the races might have differed and make a list. - After listening to part I have students write down their reactions to the interview, and continue for the remaining three parts. Separate the class into groups, and have students discuss the reaction notes that they took. - Have students write a letter to one of the African American soldiers asking additional questions about life during World War II in a segregated unit.

Tuskegee Airmen: A Segregated Unit
Chicago Historical Society: Studs Terkel--Conversations with America

Description: This digital resource presents several interviews by oral historian Studs Terkel. The pertinent one from this webpage is the first clip of his conversation with Lowell Steward and Colonel Gleed (File # chs-st-gwa0a1). Mr. Steward is an African American from Los Angeles who was sent reluctantly to the Tuskegee Air Base to serve with the 332 Fighter Group. Coming from the ethnic city of Los Angeles, he resented the racism he found in the South and being forced to join a segregated fighting unit. (Primary source material).

Teaching Tips:

"Do Now" Suggestion

On a map show students the location of the Tuskegee base and Los Angeles then ask students how life might have been different between these two places before they listen to the interviews. Ask students if they think segregation was present in the military during the time of World War II. Have them discuss this with a neighbor, and if so have them describe how the experiences between the races might have differed and make a list.

Suggestion for Using this Resource as Part of a Lesson

After listening to part I, have students write down their reactions to the interview, and continue for the remaining three parts. Separate the class into groups, and have students discuss the reaction notes that they took. Have students write a letter to one of the African American soldiers asking additional questions about life during World War II in a segregated unit.