Florence Lewis (activist) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Florence Lewis
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Lewis, 1965
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| Born |
Florence B. Axelrod
November 5, 1905 Chicago, Illinois, US
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| Died | November 26, 1990 (aged 85) North Lauderdale, Florida, US
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| Other names | Florence Axelrod Lewis |
| Occupation | activist, civic worker, and interior decorator |
| Children | 1 |
Florence Lewis (born November 5, 1905 – died November 26, 1990) was an American woman who worked to make her community better. She was an activist, which means she helped make changes for good. She was also a civic worker, helping people in her city. Florence was an interior decorator too.
She worked hard to end the poll tax, which was a fee people had to pay to vote. She also supported schools becoming integrated, meaning students of all races could learn together. She did this through her work with the National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW). Florence was a leader in the NCJW's Miami chapter and served on its national board. In 1967, she received a special award for her public service.
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Early Life and Education
Florence B. Axelrod was born on November 5, 1905, in Chicago, Illinois. Her parents, Esther and David Axelrod, had moved to the United States in 1904. They came from Ukraine, which was then part of the Russian Empire. Her father was a tailor in Chicago.
Florence was the oldest of four sisters. All the sisters spoke Yiddish, a language often spoken by Jewish people. After finishing Carl Schurz High School in 1922, Florence went to Northwestern University. She earned a degree in secondary education.
In the early 1930s, Florence married Sidney L. Lewis. They had one son named James. Later, they moved to Miami, Florida. There, Sidney owned a furniture business.
Working for Change: Activism
In the 1940s, Florence Lewis became very active in community groups. She joined the Miami chapter of Alpha Epsilon Phi. She also became vice president of the Women's Division of the American Jewish Congress.
A very important group she joined was the National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW). In 1960, she became the president of the Miami chapter. After two years, she was elected to the NCJW's national board in 1963.
Helping Newcomers and Fighting for Rights
After World War II, Florence helped many Jewish people who were new to the United States. She worked with the NCJW's Good Neighbor Committee. Because she knew different languages, she helped them learn English. She also helped them get used to life in America.
In the 1950s, Florence focused on women's rights and civil rights. She spoke to the US Congress about ending the poll tax. This tax made it harder for some people to vote. She also spoke about integrating schools. This meant making sure students of all backgrounds could attend the same schools.
Florence helped plan and open the first senior citizen's center in Dade County, Miami. It was called the Malcom Ross Senior Day Center and opened in 1960. She also served as the first secretary for the Coral Gables Jewish Center.
Meeting the President and Other Work
In 1963, President John F. Kennedy invited Florence to the White House. She was one of 250 women leaders invited to discuss civil rights. Florence believed that women volunteers could help schools improve education for everyone.
She also served on the board of the Anti-Defamation League. This group works to stop hate and promote justice. She was also involved with the United Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society, which helps immigrants.
In 1965, Florence led a program called Women in Community Service, Inc. This program helped young women join the federal Job Corps program. Job Corps offered training and opportunities to overcome poverty. She also worked on the Wider Horizons Program, which aimed to fight poverty.
In 1967, the Miami chapter of the NCJW gave Florence their first Hannah G. Solomon Award. This award recognized her great public service, especially her work with young women. Besides her community work, Florence was also an interior decorator. She helped her husband with his furniture store until it closed in 1980.
Later Life and Legacy
Florence's husband, Sidney, passed away in January 1990. Florence Lewis died 10 months later, on November 26, 1990. At the time, she was living with her son in North Lauderdale, Florida. She was buried in Miami at Mt. Nebo Kendall Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Florence Lewis is remembered for her dedication to civil rights and helping her community.
