Concepción Picciotto facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Concepción Picciotto
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Picciotto in 1998
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| Born |
María de la Inmaculada Concepción Martín
15 January 1936 Vigo, Galicia, Spain
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| Died | 25 January 2016 (aged 80) Washington, D.C., U.S.
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| Nationality | Spanish |
| Other names | Connie Picciotto |
| Known for | Activism |
Concepción Picciotto (born María de la Inmaculada Concepción Martín; 15 January 1936 – 25 January 2016), also known as Conchita or Connie, was a Spanish-born peace activist who lived in the United States. She became famous for her long protest against nuclear weapons.
From August 1, 1981, until her death, she lived in a peace camp across from the White House in Washington, D.C. This protest was one of the longest continuous political protests in U.S. history. Her camp was even nicknamed "1601 Pennsylvania Avenue" by her supporters.
Eleanor Holmes Norton, who represents Washington, D.C. in the House of Representatives, said that many of Picciotto's goals were achieved during her protest, including a reduction in atomic weapons around the world.
Early Life and Activism
Concepción Picciotto said she became an orphan in Spain and was raised by her grandmother. She moved to the United States in 1960. In New York, she worked as a receptionist for the Spanish government.
Picciotto was inspired by another activist named William Thomas. He started the White House Peace Vigil on June 3, 1981. They began their protest on the sidewalk near the White House fence. Because of park rules, they had to move their protest across the street from the White House. Sometimes, they even had to move for big events like presidential parades.
During her life, she received help from people at Occupy Peace House, a place where she lived. Later, she talked with Ellen Thomas (William's wife) about staying in the Peace House, a special home for activists.
Her Passing
Concepción Picciotto passed away on January 25, 2016. She was 80 years old, and it was just 10 days after her birthday. She died at N Street Village, an organization in Washington that helps women who are experiencing homelessness.
Featured Appearances
Concepción Picciotto appeared in several films and documentaries. She was in Michael Moore's 2004 film, Fahrenheit 9/11.
She was also featured in The Oracles of Pennsylvania Avenue (2012) by Tim Wilkerson. This documentary, made for the Al Jazeera Documentary Channel, tells the story of Picciotto and other activists like William and Ellen Thomas and Norman Mayer.
See also
- List of peace activists
- Brian Haw, an English protester who had a similar peace camp in London for many years.
- Gino Strada, an Italian doctor and activist who started Emergency, an organization that helps people in war zones.
