Emily
MikePeter Dreier of The Nation has put together a slide show of the “Fifty Most Influential Progressives of the Twentieth Century.” It’s interesting reading, especially for a liberal/progressive like me. According to Dreier, the list (which is in chronological sequence “in terms of their early important contributions”), the 50 are people:
who helped change America in a more progressive direction during the twentieth century by organizing movements, pushing for radical reforms and popularizing progressive ideas. They are not equally famous, but they are all leaders who spurred others to action. Most were not single-issue activists but were involved in broad crusades for economic and social justice, revealing the many connections among different movements across generations. Most were organizers and activists, but the list includes academics, lawyers and Supreme Court justices, artists and musicians who also played important roles in key movements.
According to my count, there are 12 women on the list. Some are well-know (e.g., Frances Perkins, Rachel Carson, Betty Friedan, Billie Jean King) and others not so well-known today (e.g., Jane Addams, Florence Kelly, Ella Baker).
Here is the list and here is Dreir’s introduction to the list.
Filed under: Uncategorized Tagged: | Peter Dreier, Progressives, The Nation
