Dorothy Zellner facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Dorothy Miller Zellner
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Zellner in 2019
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| Born | 1938 (age 86–87) |
| Nationality | American |
| Alma mater | Queens College, City University of New York |
| Occupation | Civil rights activist |
| Spouse(s) | |
Dorothy "Dottie" Miller Zellner (born 1938) is an American activist who has worked for human rights for many years. She is also a writer and editor. Dottie was an important part of the Civil rights movement in the 1960s. She helped find people to join the Freedom Summer project. She also helped edit Student Voice, a newsletter for the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC). Today, she works to support peace and human rights for Palestinians.
Contents
Early Life and Inspiration
Dottie Zellner was born in Manhattan, a part of New York City. Her parents were immigrants who spoke Yiddish. They taught her about important topics like Black history, fairness for all races, and how Jewish people resisted the Nazis during World War II.
These lessons from her parents inspired Dottie to get involved in making the world a better place. She learned about social justice, which means making sure everyone is treated fairly. Dottie later went to Queens College. She says she is an atheist, meaning she does not believe in a god.
Working for Change
Dottie Zellner has been involved in many important movements for change.
Designing the Black Panther Logo
In 1966, Dottie helped create the famous logo for the Black Panther Party. This group worked for the rights of Black people. Stokely Carmichael, a leader, asked her to help.
First, Dottie went to Zoo Atlanta to see a panther. Her husband, Bob Zellner, and another SNCC member took photos. Dottie then made a sketch. Carmichael wanted another try, based on a drawing by SNCC member Ruth Howard. Ruth's drawing was inspired by the mascot of Clark Atlanta University. Dottie's second drawing became the official Black Panther Party logo in 1967.
Supporting Women's Rights
In 1969, Dottie worked for the Southern Conference Educational Fund (SCEF). She wrote about how women's groups could be more focused on political change. Another SCEF member, Carol Hanisch, wrote an essay in response. This essay was called "The Personal is Political." It became a very important idea in the women's rights movement. It means that personal experiences are often connected to bigger political issues.
Later Career and Activism
Dottie Zellner worked as a nurse for several years. In 1984, she joined the Center for Constitutional Rights. This group works to protect people's legal rights. Later, in 1998, she became a director at Queens College School of Law.
After hearing a talk in 2002, Dottie became involved in the peace movement for Israelis and Palestinians. She has traveled to Israel and Palestine many times. She has volunteered with Physicians for Human Rights. Dottie also supports the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement. This movement aims to use economic pressure to support Palestinian rights.
See also
- Black Panther Party
- Lowndes County Freedom Organization
- The personal is political
