Brownie Ledbetter facts for kids

Brownie Ledbetter (born Mary Brown Williams Ledbetter, April 28, 1932 – March 21, 2010) was an important American activist. She worked hard for fairness and change. Brownie helped with civil rights, women's rights, and protecting the environment. She made a big difference in Arkansas and beyond.

Brownie Ledbetter's Early Life

Brownie Ledbetter was born in Little Rock, Arkansas, on April 28, 1932. She was the first of four children. Her father, William H. Williams, was a dairy farmer. Her mother, Helon Brown Williams, was a homemaker.

The family lived on a farm called Tall Timber Jersey Farm. Brownie got her nickname because of her brown eyes. Her mother passed away in 1947. Her father died in 1950. Brownie and her siblings were then cared for by their aunt and uncle.

She went to Little Rock Central High School. This school later became famous for its role in the Civil Rights Movement. From 1950 to 1953, Brownie attended Agnes Scott College in Decatur, Georgia.

On July 26, 1953, she married Dr. Calvin Ledbetter, Jr.. He was an attorney who later taught political science. For two years, the couple lived in Germany. Brownie's husband was stationed there with the U.S. Army. They later settled in Arkansas and had three children.

Working for Change: Brownie's Activism

Brownie Ledbetter had a long and active career. She was known for helping people find common ground. Even when people disagreed, she brought them together. She wanted to find shared goals and make positive changes.

Helping Schools and Communities

Brownie became active in politics around 1957. This was during the Little Rock Integration Crisis. Nine African-American students were stopped from entering Little Rock Central High School. The Arkansas National Guard blocked them.

Brownie joined a group called the Women's Emergency Committee to Open Our Schools (WEC). This group worked to open schools to all students. After the WEC ended in 1963, Brownie continued her work.

She joined the Little Rock Panel of American Women. This group created a safe space for people to talk. They discussed differences in race, religion, and culture. Brownie helped lead these discussions. People shared their personal stories. This helped reduce opposition to desegregation.

Later, this group also helped students fight discrimination. They trained teachers in human relations.

Leading the Arkansas Public Policy Panel

In 1981, the panel became the Arkansas Public Policy Panel. Brownie Ledbetter was its executive director until 1999. Under her leadership, the panel worked on many important issues. These included civil rights, economic fairness, and education. They also focused on the environment and government fairness.

The panel helped local people have a stronger voice. They trained community leaders and local lobbyists. Brownie personally trained sixty of these people.

Fighting for Women's Rights

Brownie Ledbetter was a strong supporter of women's rights. She was a key member of the women's movement. She strongly supported the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA). She helped start the ERA/Arkansas Coalition.

President Jimmy Carter asked her to join his National Commission on Women. She also served on the board of the Women's Environmental Development Organization (WEDO). This group works with the United Nations on women's issues. She was involved in several international groups too.

Other Important Work

• Arkansas State Central Democratic Committee (1968–1974)
• Founding member of the Arkansas Women's Political Caucus
• Political Action Chair for the National Women's Political Caucus (1973)
• Coordinator for the Arkansas State Democratic Party (1973–1974)
• State director for the Southern Coalition for Educational Equity (1982–1985)
• Founder and president of the Arkansas Fairness Council (1983–1998)
• Founder and executive director of Arkansas Career Resources, Inc. (1985–1990)
• Board member of the American Civil Liberties Union of Arkansas
• Co-founder of the Women's Environment and Development Organization with Bella Abzug
• Founder of the Arkansas Citizen's First Congress

Political Campaigns

Brownie Ledbetter also helped with many political campaigns. She was the campaign manager for her husband's successful run for the Arkansas General Assembly. In 1968, she was a delegate to the National Democratic Convention. She also managed the McGovern campaign for Arkansas in 1972.

Brownie Ledbetter's Legacy

Brownie Ledbetter passed away at her home in Little Rock on March 21, 2010. She had been diagnosed with a brain tumor.

After her death, Hillary Clinton spoke about Brownie. She said Brownie was a "fierce champion for women’s rights, civil rights, and the right of all Americans to education and opportunity." Clinton added that Brownie was a "tireless citizen activist" who helped change the world.

Awards and Recognition

• American Civil Liberties Union Civil Libertarian of the Year (1992)
• Mary Hatwood Futrell Award from the National Education Association (2005)