Jean Graetz facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jean Graetz
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Jean Graetz, from a 1951 bridal portrait.
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| Born |
Jean Ellis
December 24, 1929 East Springfield, Pennsylvania
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| Died | December 16, 2020 (aged 90) Montgomery, Alabama
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| Other names | Jeannie Graetz |
| Known for | Civil rights activism |
| Spouse(s) | Robert Graetz |
Jean Graetz (born Jean Ellis, December 24, 1929 – December 16, 2020) was an American civil rights activist. She worked alongside her husband, Robert Graetz, to support the Montgomery Bus Boycott in 1955. They were important white supporters of this major event.
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Early Life and Education
Jean Ellis was born in East Springfield, Pennsylvania. Her parents, Marshall and Marian Ellis, were farmers. She started studying at Capital University in Bexley, Ohio. In 1951, she paused her studies to get married. Years later, in 2015, she earned her bachelor's degree in education. She was 84 years old when she graduated from Alabama State University.
Standing Up for Civil Rights
Jean Graetz moved to Montgomery, Alabama in 1955. Her husband became a pastor at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church. This church mainly served the Black community. As a pastor's wife, Jean had an important role in the community.
Soon after arriving, the Graetzes became involved in the civil rights movement. Their church was a meeting place for the local NAACP group. Their neighbor, Rosa Parks, was arrested for refusing to give up her bus seat. This event helped start the Montgomery bus boycott.
Helping the Boycott
Jean and Robert Graetz helped plan the Montgomery bus boycott. They made sure protesters had safe childcare and meals. They also helped raise money for the boycott. An empty space behind their house was used for parking cars. These cars helped people get around during the boycott.
Because of their support, the Graetzes faced many challenges. People who opposed the boycott damaged their property. They also received threats. Bombs were even set off in their yard. Despite these dangers, they continued their important work.
Continued Activism
In 1958, Rev. Graetz was moved to a church in Ohio. But the Graetzes returned to Montgomery in 1965. They joined the historic march from Selma with Martin Luther King Jr..
Jean Graetz and her husband kept working for political causes. They were arrested several times for peaceful protests. For example, in 2000, they protested for gay rights in Cleveland.
The couple moved back to Montgomery in 2007. They worked as advisors for the National Center for the Study of Civil Rights and African-American Culture. This center is at Alabama State University.
A Special Gift
In 2018, a handwritten note by Rosa Parks was put up for auction. The note talked about her friendship with the Graetz family. Jean and Robert Graetz bought the note themselves for $9,375. They then donated it to the National Center for the Study of Civil Rights and African-American Culture. This showed their deep connection to the history they helped create.
Family Life
Jean married Robert Graetz, a Lutheran minister, in 1951. They had seven children together. Robert Graetz passed away in September 2020. Jean died a few months later, in December 2020, from lung cancer. She was 90 years old and passed away just before her 91st birthday.
