Dismas Becker facts for kids

Dismas Becker (born September 16, 1936 – died September 19, 2010) was an important American politician and a strong supporter of civil rights. He was a member of the Democratic Party from Wisconsin. Before becoming a politician, he was a Catholic priest and a Discalced Carmelite friar.

Early Life and Education

Dismas Becker was born Paul Vincent Becker in 1936 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. After finishing high school, he joined a religious group called the Discalced Carmelites. There, he chose the religious name Dismas. He legally changed his name to Dismas in 1986.

He studied at St. Francis Seminary and became a priest in 1964. Later, he earned a Master's degree in Sociology from Marquette University.

Working for Change

In 1969, Becker became involved in important social work. He teamed up with Rev. James Groppi, who was also a Catholic priest and a leader in activism. They planned a protest at the State Capitol. Their goal was to demand better welfare rights and improvements for schools in poor communities.

During the protest, nearly a thousand activists occupied the State Assembly chamber. Rev. Groppi was arrested, and Becker became the leader of the protest. A few days later, Becker led another protest outside the capitol building.

Activism and Public Service

In 1972, Becker helped to create a book called Welfare Mothers Speak Out: We Ain't Gonna Shuffle Anymore. This book shared the voices of poor women in the city. In the same year, he left his religious order and the priesthood.

In 1975, he married E. Fay Anderson, an African American mother of four children.

Becker later decided to run for state office. He was elected and served in the Wisconsin State Assembly from 1977 to 1989. For some of that time in the mid-1980s, he was the Majority Leader for the Democratic Party in the Assembly. This meant he was a key leader for his party in the state government.

Later Life

Dismas Becker passed away from cancer on September 19, 2010. He is remembered for his work as a civil rights activist and a dedicated public servant.