October 23rd, 1873, Alice Frances Kellor entered the world she would do so much to reshape. Birthing a new American social order in the Progressive Era via the Americanization movement (1906 - 1921) and later connecting the world with her international arbitration work, this Founding Mother helped create modern America and a good deal of the current global order.
Every piece of Kellor's work defended social justice. She founded the National Urban League. She worked in Southern African - American prisons when no one else considered it. She pioneered women's basketball with the hope of reforming women. She launched Service Learning in New York State. She publicly led Presidential campaigns to show women capable. She ran immigrant media in America. She got women's voting on national political party platforms for the first times. She launched an alternative form of government in America. She developed multiculturalism in practice and modern culturally- neutral citizenship.
Repeating the pronoun "she" at the beginning of the above sentences highlights Kellor's function as a transgender lesbian. Upon going to college, she changed her above name to Frances Kellor. In many photos she is dressed as a man. And, took the masculine role in her 47 year relationship with Mary Dreier.
As a gift to Kellor, on this occasion of her 128th birthday, I wish to offer you a birthday gift. If you'd read a copy of her biography and tell someone about this LGBT role model, I'll give you a free copy of Founding Mother: Frances Kellor and the Creation of Modern America; just email me your name and address.
In honor of her, visit www.franceskellor.com. Happy Birthday!!
John K. Press, Ph.D.
