Judy Goldsmith facts for kids

Judy Goldsmith was born on November 26, 1938. She is an American feminist, a teacher, and an activist. From 1982 to 1985, she was the president of the National Organization for Women (NOW). This is the biggest feminist group in the United States. Before leading NOW, she was an English professor. Judy Goldsmith is also an honorary board member of the Veteran Feminists of America.

Early Life and Education

Judith Ann Becker was born in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, on November 26, 1938. Her family faced tough times when she was young. Her mother worked hard in a factory for 25 years to support Judy and her five siblings. Her mother had only finished 8th grade. For a while, Judy's family lived in a very simple home without running water.

After finishing high school in 1957, Judy received a scholarship. This helped her go to the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point. She first studied music, playing piano and singing. But she loved books and language more. So, she earned a bachelor's degree in English. While in college, Judy Becker met and married Dick Goldsmith. They later had a daughter named Rachel. Judy Goldsmith also earned a master's degree from the State University of New York at Buffalo.

Leading the National Organization for Women

Starting Her Career

When Judy Goldsmith started looking for jobs in the 1950s, it was harder for women. Many job ads were mostly for men. Ads for women often focused on how they looked, like "Needed: Attractive, Woman, Receptionist."

Judy Goldsmith began teaching English at the University of Wisconsin. Soon after, she became involved with NOW. She and her sister joined NOW in 1974 after a friend invited them. After a few months, Judy was chosen to be the president of the Manitowoc County chapter in Wisconsin. This chapter later became the first statewide NOW organization. Judy played a big part in building the state chapter. She was then elected president of the state chapter. Fifteen years later, she became a national leader for NOW and moved to Washington, D.C..

Key Actions as President

In 1982, Judy Goldsmith became the head of NOW. During her time, the organization helped more women get elected to state legislatures. Goldsmith believed NOW should focus more on political parties. She supported liberal ideas, including those against Reaganomics, which was a set of economic policies.

In 1982, NOW supported Frank Lautenberg, a male Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate. He was running against Millicent Fenwick, a Republican Congresswoman who was also a feminist. NOW supported Lautenberg because Fenwick supported Reagan's economic plans, even though Fenwick also supported women's rights. Lautenberg won the election by a small number of votes. Goldsmith felt that much unfair treatment came from economic problems. She also worked with Coretta Scott-King on a march in 1983. This march celebrated 20 years since the historic "March on Washington" led by Martin Luther King Jr..

Differences with Eleanor Smeal

Eleanor Smeal was the NOW president before Judy Goldsmith. Smeal was also Goldsmith's mentor. Smeal supported Goldsmith when she ran for president in 1982. This was partly because Smeal could not run for reelection herself. Goldsmith's win was seen as a sign that NOW's policies were working.

However, as Goldsmith's presidency continued, Smeal's support seemed to fade. Rumors began that Smeal would run for president again. When Smeal announced she was running in 1985, she said Goldsmith was too moderate. Smeal felt Goldsmith did not focus enough on important issues. Goldsmith often met with politicians. She believed that progress could only happen when more women were elected to political positions. She said, "We must change the political landscape and get more women elected before we try again."

Smeal, however, wanted NOW to be more outspoken and active. She said, "It's time to go back on the streets, go on the campuses and show we're the majority." Goldsmith defended her approach, saying, "Loud may be good, but it is not only the level of decibels that is heard." Their different ways of working led to a strong competition for the presidency.

For example, Goldsmith sent a telegram to President Reagan. She demanded an investigation into an issue. When she got no answer, she spoke to reporters during a protest outside the White House. Smeal, however, led the first March for Women's Lives in 1986. This march brought over 150,000 people to Washington and Los Angeles. It supported women's reproductive rights. Goldsmith believed in achieving NOW's goals through politics. Smeal felt rallies and protests were better methods.

The 1985 election was very intense. Smeal won over Goldsmith. Goldsmith was the current president and was seeking her second term. Usually, NOW presidents served two two-year terms. Many members of NOW's national board supported Goldsmith. However, Smeal won the election with 839 votes to Goldsmith's 703. Some people said Goldsmith's final campaign speech might have cost her votes. She attacked Smeal in strong words. She accused Smeal of "duplicity, character assassination and a ward-boss political mentality." This election was one of the most competitive in NOW's history.

Retirement and Legacy

After her time as NOW President, Judy Goldsmith held other leadership roles. She became the Dean of the University of Wisconsin–Fond du Lac. She retired in 2002 but is still active today. The University now gives out the "Judy Goldsmith Young Woman Leadership Award" in her honor. Using her musical background, Judy now plays piano at a nursing home in Fond du Lac. She also enjoys ballroom dancing often.