Concepcion Picciotto facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Concepcion Picciotto
|
|
|---|---|
Concepcion Picciotto on 15 June 2010 at the White House
|
|
| Born |
María de la Inmaculada Concepción Martín
15 January 1936 Vigo, Spain
|
| Died | 25 January 2016 (aged 80) Washington, D.C., U.S.
|
| Nationality | Spanish |
| Known for | Activism |
Concepcion Picciotto (born María de la Inmaculada Concepción Martín; 15 January 1936 – 25 January 2016) was a peace activist. People also knew her as Conchita or Connie. She was born in Spain but lived in the United States.
For many years, she lived in a peace camp across from the White House in Washington, D.C. She started her protest on August 1, 1981. Her goal was to protest against nuclear weapons. She continued this protest until she passed away.
Concepcion Picciotto held the longest continuous political protest in the United States. Her supporters often called her camp "1601 Pennsylvania Avenue." Eleanor Holmes Norton, who represents Washington D.C. in the House of Representatives, said that many of Picciotto's goals were achieved. This included a reduction in the spread of atomic weapons.
Her Early Life
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.
She married an Italian immigrant and lived in Brooklyn, New York. She adopted a daughter named Olga in Argentina in 1973.
Starting the Peace Vigil
Concepcion Picciotto was inspired by another activist, William Thomas. He started the White House Peace Vigil on June 3, 1981. They first protested on the sidewalk near the White House fence.
Later, rules from the National Park Service made them move across Pennsylvania Avenue. Sometimes, they had to move for special events like presidential parades.
During her protest, members of Occupy Peace House helped her. She also discussed staying in the Peace House with Ellen Thomas. Ellen had inherited this house in Washington D.C. from her late husband, William Thomas.
Her Passing
Concepcion Picciotto passed away on January 25, 2016. This was just 10 days after her 80th birthday. She died at N Street Village, a group that helps women who are homeless in Washington. The exact reason for her death was not known right away. However, she had recently fallen.
Featured Appearances
Picciotto appeared in the 2004 film Fahrenheit 9/11 by Michael Moore. She was also in some web-films.
A documentary called The Oracles of Pennsylvania Avenue (2012) tells her story. This film was made by Tim Wilkerson for the Al Jazeera Documentary Channel. It also features William and Ellen Thomas and Norman Mayer.
See also
In Spanish: Concepción Picciotto para niños
