Florence Howe facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Florence Howe
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Howe in 2014
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| Born |
Florence Rosenfeld
March 17, 1929 |
| Died | September 12, 2020 (aged 91) |
| Academic background | |
| Alma mater | Smith College, Northampton, Massachusetts |
| Academic work | |
| Main interests | Feminist author, publisher, literary scholar and historian |
Florence Rosenfeld Howe (born March 17, 1929 – died September 12, 2020) was an important American writer, publisher, and historian. She was known for leading the modern movement for women's rights, called feminism.
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Early Life and Education
Florence Howe was born in Brooklyn, New York on March 17, 1929. Her father, Samuel, was a taxi driver. Her mother, Frances Stilly Rosenfeld, was a bookkeeper. Florence loved learning from a young age. Her mother always encouraged her to become a teacher.
In 1943, Florence went to Hunter College High School in New York City. This school was very hard to get into. Only five young women from Brooklyn, including Florence, were accepted. She finished high school early. Then she went to Hunter College.
In 1949, Florence joined Phi Beta Kappa. This is a special group for students who achieve excellent grades. Many important people encouraged her to study literature more. They wanted her to become a college professor. After getting her first degree in English from Hunter College in 1950, she went to Smith College. She earned another degree in English there in 1951.
Later, in 1954, Florence studied art history and literature at the University of Wisconsin. In 1987, she received an honorary doctorate from DePauw University. This is a special degree given to honor someone's achievements.
Career and Activism
In 1960, Florence Howe started working as a professor. She taught English at Goucher College, a women's college in Maryland.
Fighting for Rights
In 1964, Florence taught African American children in Mississippi. This was part of the Freedom Schools during the Civil Rights Movement. She also led a group called the Modern Language Association commission. This group worked on improving the status of women in their jobs.
Florence wrote an essay called "Mississippi Freedom Schools: the Politics of Education." It was published in 1965. In this essay, she shared her journey with feminism. She showed how education, race, and politics were all connected to women's rights.
In 1967, Florence signed a public statement. She said she would not pay income taxes. This was to protest the U.S. war in Vietnam.
The Feminist Press
In 1970, Florence Howe started The Feminist Press. This is a non-profit group that helps women's rights. It also shares feminist ideas. By 1973, her organization had published three books.
From 1972 to 1982, Florence helped edit the Women's Studies Quarterly. This was a journal that shared research about women.
In 1973, Florence Howe became the President of the Modern Language Association. In 1978, she wrote another essay, "Myths of Coeducation." It talked about how women's education often fit into society's traditional rules.
Florence also helped edit many other books. These included "With Wings: An Anthology of Literature By and About Disabled Women" (1987). She also worked on "Traditions and the Talents of Women" (1991) and "No More Masks" (1993).
In 1982, Florence published "Feminist Scholarship: The Extent of the Revolution." This journal article shared her discoveries about feminism in higher education. From 1983 to 1993, she worked as a U.S. Department of State Grantee. In 1987, Florence became a professor of humanities at SUNY.
Awards and Recognition
Florence Howe received several honorary doctorates. In 1977, New England College gave her one. In 1979, Skidmore College also honored her.
Personal Life
Florence Howe was married three times. She took the last name of one of her husbands, Ed Howe. She later married Paul Lauter in the 1960s. They divorced in 1987.
In 1964, Florence went to Jackson, Mississippi. She volunteered as a teacher in a Freedom School for black children. There, she met a 16-year-old girl named Alice Jackson. They became very close. Alice came with Florence to Baltimore. Florence became like a second mother to Alice.
Florence Howe did not have her own children. She was survived by Alice Jackson, Alice's two children, and four grandchildren. They called Florence Howe "Baba."
Later Years and Legacy
Florence Howe passed away on September 12, 2020. She was 91 years old. She lived in New York City.
The Florence Howe Award
The Florence Howe Award is named in her honor. This award is given by the Women's Caucus for the Modern Languages. It celebrates excellent feminist writing. Each year, two outstanding essays receive the award. One is from the field of English, and one is from a foreign language. The authors receive $250. They are honored at an event held by the Women’s Caucus.
See also
In Spanish: Florence Howe para niños
