Heroes & Trailblazers

Be inspired by fascinating men and women whose drive and determination transformed our country and our lives.

Helen Gahagan Douglas (1900-1980) Actress Turned Congressperson

  • blankElected as Democratic National Committeewoman from California
  • Elected to the House of Representatives in 1944, becoming only one of nine women to serve in the House at that time.

Helen Gahagan Douglas was born in 1900 and was raised in a well-to-do family in Brooklyn, New York. She was not a serious student but loved acting, and by the age of 22 she had been cast in a lead role on Broadway. She never returned to Barnard College where she had been a student.

Helen Gahagan Douglas (1900-1980) Actress Turned Congressperson Read More »

blank

Belva Lockwood (1830-1917), American Attorney and Crusader for Equal Rights

blank• She was admitted to what eventually became George Washington University Law School, but after completing the coursework, she was denied a diploma because she was a woman; after waiting a year she petitioned the U.S. President and soon received her diploma
• Had to petition Congress for the right for a woman to practice law before the U.S. Supreme Court; she was the first woman to do so
• Ran for president in 1884 and 1888

Belva Lockwood (1830-1917), American Attorney and Crusader for Equal Rights Read More »

blank

Start typing and press enter to search

Translate »
Scroll to Top