LEGACY

Mrs. Eleanor Roosevelt was an extraordinary woman, mostly known for her tremendous impact on other first ladies. She actively participated in civil rights and community events, helped the poor and established numerous social programs. Despite the obstacles she encountered as a child, she became one of the most influential women and perhaps the most well known first lady in American history. She also earned global recognition for her ability to resolve conflicts. World leaders, officials, and foreign diplomats from near and far sought her advice on various issues and topics.

Civil Rights

In 1936, Howard University invited Marian Anderson, a well-known African-American contralto to perform in Washington, D.C. The only auditorium in the city with the seating capacity to hold the anticipated crowd was the Daughter's of American Revolution (DAR) Constitution Hall. However, the president of DAR made it clear that no Negro artist would be allowed to perform in Constitution Hall. Mrs. Roosevelt was outraged and publicly resigned her membership in DAR. Then she invited Ms. Anderson to give her concert at the Lincoln Memorial and over 70,000 came to listen to the performance.

Carried Out Programs that FDR "Feared"

Mrs. Roosevelt was opinionated about issues/topics, especially those that her husband deemed not appropriate to talk about. For example, she supported Walter White, secretary of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), in fighting an anti-lynching bill and removing the poll tax, which kept African-Americans from voting. "I …remember wanting to get all-out support for the anti-lynching bill and removal of the poll tax, but though Franklin was in favor of both measures, they never became 'must' legislation. When I would protest, he would simply say, 'First things come first, and I can't alienate certain voters I need for measures that are more important at the moment by pushing any measures that would entail a fight.'" - Eleanor Roosevelt

Death of Franklin Delano Roosevelt(FDR)

After FDR died, Eleanor remained active in her quest to conquer various projects to increase the socio-economic values and well being of society. Concerned about the economic well being of the poor and rejuvenating the United States economy, she took an active interest in creating jobs that gave everyone a chance to improve their way of life.