Oklahoma Academic Standard 5. The student will examine the Oklahoma’s political, social, cultural, and economic transformation during the early decades following statehood.

Objective 5.8  Describe the contributions of Oklahomans including African-American jazz musicians, the political and social commentaries of Will Rogers and Woody Guthrie’s, Wiley Post’s aviation milestones, and the artwork of the Kiowa Six. 

In a Nutshell

Many Oklahomans in the realm of entertainment, literature, aviation, and artwork have impacted the image of our state. It is important for students to evaluate the accomplishments in these groups and individuals as pioneers in their respective fields.

Teacher Action 

Student Action 

• Assist students in analyzing various primary and secondary sources related to Oklahoma entertainers, such as African American jazz musicians,

• Facilitate student assessment of the significance and impact on local as well as national history of American Indian artists from Oklahoma. 

• Assess the significance and impact of individuals, such as Wiley Post’s milestones in aviation.

• Cite specific textual evidence and assess the credibility of social and political commentary by Will Rogers and Woody Guthrie. 

Key Concepts 

Misconceptions 

• Will Rogers, political commentary, radio, 

• Woody Guthrie, folk music, songwriter, social commentary

• Wiley Post, aviation, high-altitude flight, jet stream

• Oklahoma City Blue Devils, jazz

• Kiowa Six, portrayal of oral history, culture. and Kiowa society 

• Some students may view Oklahoma entertainers and artists of the Great Depression era as significant merely to state history and culture without recognizing their impact at a national level. 

Instructional Resources