Eddie Mae Steward facts for kids

Eddie Mae Steward (born in 1938, died in 2000) was an important leader during the Civil Rights Movement in Florida. She worked hard to make sure everyone was treated fairly, no matter their race.

Who Was Eddie Mae Steward?

Eddie Mae Steward was a brave activist who fought for equal rights for African Americans. She was known for her strong leadership and for standing up against unfair treatment. She believed that all people should have the same opportunities and be respected.

Fighting for Equal Rights

Ms. Steward was a key figure in the NAACP, which is an organization that works to end racial discrimination. She served as the president of the Jacksonville NAACP and also led the Florida State Conference.

What Was the Mims v. Duval County Lawsuit?

In 1971, Ms. Steward made a very important decision. She allowed her six children—Jerry, Ervin, Angela, Alta, Carla, and Venetia—to be part of a lawsuit against the Duval County School Board. This lawsuit, called Mims v. Duval County School System, was about ending segregation in schools.

As a result of this lawsuit, schools in Duval County started using busing to help integrate students. This meant that students of different races would attend schools together, even if they lived in different neighborhoods. This was a big step towards making schools fair for everyone.

Leading the NAACP in Jacksonville

From 1972 to 1978, Ms. Steward was the president of the Jacksonville NAACP. During her time as president, she worked tirelessly to fight against unfair treatment based on race. She challenged racial discrimination in the police department, fire department, and city government.

She also organized many peaceful protests and boycotts. A boycott is when people stop buying or using something to show their disapproval. These actions helped to protest against police unfairly targeting Black people. Under her leadership, the Jacksonville NAACP grew to over 2,500 members, becoming the largest NAACP branch in the Southeastern United States.

Her Later Work and Legacy

After her time as NAACP president, Ms. Steward continued to serve her community. She became a member of the Florida State Housing Council and the Florida State Biracial Monitoring Committee. These roles allowed her to keep working for fairness and equality in housing and other areas.

Ms. Steward also tried to run for political office, seeking a seat on the Jacksonville City Council twice and for the Florida State Senate. Even though she didn't win these elections, it showed her dedication to making a difference through public service.

Honoring Her Memory

Eddie Mae Steward passed away in 2000. She is buried at Edgewood Cemetery in Jacksonville. Her important work and dedication to civil rights are still remembered. A post office has even been named in her honor, recognizing her lasting impact on the community.