Lucille Gorham facts for kids

Lucille Gorham (born January 18, 1931 – died November 3, 2012) was a brave community leader. She worked hard for civil rights in Baltimore, Maryland. She helped people get fair housing and supported her neighbors.

A Champion for Her Community

Lucille Alexander was born in Halifax, North Carolina. In 1934, she moved to Baltimore with her family. She lived in East Baltimore. Lucille went to public schools in the city. Later, she earned her GED. She also studied at Sojourner Douglass College.

For many years, Lucille Gorham was a homemaker. This changed in 1967. She became the president of a group called Citizens for Fair Housing. This group was formed because of the city's "urban renewal" plan. This plan changed neighborhoods.

Helping with Housing

Lucille Gorham led a big project. It was a housing complex built on Madison Park Square. The community owned and ran this complex. It was a great success. She then became the director of the Madison Square Housing Association. She also directed the Middle East Community group. She even led a local 4-H Club for young people.

Supporting Neighbors After a Difficult Time

In 1968, there were difficult times in Baltimore. This was after the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr.. The Baltimore riot of 1968 happened. This event made Lucille Gorham even more active in her neighborhood.

In August 1968, she opened a clubhouse called "Our House." This place offered many services to the community. People could get home-cooked meals. Children had a safe place to spend their Saturday evenings. Senior citizens could meet friends there. "Our House" became a very important part of the neighborhood.

Standing Up for Her Home

Later in her life, Lucille Gorham faced another challenge. In 2002, Johns Hopkins Hospital wanted to expand. This expansion meant that many people had to move. Lucille Gorham was one of them. She was forced to leave her home in the Middle East neighborhood. She moved to a new home in the Belair-Edison neighborhood.

Lucille Gorham passed away in 2012. She was 81 years old. She had been battling cancer. She is remembered as a strong leader. She always fought for her community and for fair treatment.