EH

Eleanor Holmes Norton

30quotes

Eleanor Holmes Norton: A Trailblazer for Civil Rights and Social Justice


Full Name and Common Aliases


Eleanor Holmes Norton is a renowned American lawyer, academic, and politician who has been a prominent figure in the fight for civil rights and social justice. She was born on November 13, 1937, in Newark, New Jersey.

Birth and Death Dates


November 13, 1937 (still alive)

Nationality and Profession(s)


American; Lawyer, Academic, Politician

Early Life and Background


Eleanor Holmes Norton grew up in a family that valued education and social activism. Her parents were both influential figures in their community, with her mother being an educator and her father a labor activist. This upbringing instilled in her the importance of fighting for justice and equality from a young age.

Norton attended Wellesley College, where she earned her undergraduate degree in 1958. She then went on to earn her law degree from Yale Law School in 1963. Her academic achievements were marked by her involvement in civil rights activism, which would become a defining feature of her career.

Major Accomplishments


Eleanor Holmes Norton's professional life has been characterized by numerous milestones and accomplishments. Some notable highlights include:

Chairwoman of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC): From 1977 to 1981, Norton led the EEOC, playing a crucial role in enforcing federal laws against employment discrimination.
 Congressional Representative: Since 1991, Norton has served as the non-voting delegate for Washington D.C. in the U.S. Congress. She is one of the longest-serving members of this position.
Advocate for LGBTQ+ Rights and Reproductive Freedom: Norton has been a vocal advocate for human rights, particularly for marginalized communities.

Notable Works or Actions


Eleanor Holmes Norton's career has been marked by numerous initiatives and campaigns aimed at promoting social justice. Some notable examples include:

The Fair Labor Standards Act: In 1977, under her leadership as Chairwoman of the EEOC, the FLSA was amended to provide greater protections for workers.
* The Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PDA): Norton played a key role in passing the PDA in 1978, which prohibited employment discrimination against pregnant women.

Impact and Legacy


Eleanor Holmes Norton's influence on American society extends far beyond her professional accomplishments. Her tireless advocacy has helped shape the country's understanding of human rights and social justice. Through her work, she has paved the way for future generations to continue fighting for equality and justice.

Norton's commitment to promoting women's empowerment, LGBTQ+ rights, and reproductive freedom has left a lasting impact on the nation. Her legacy serves as an inspiration to those who strive to create positive change in their communities.

Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered


Eleanor Holmes Norton is widely quoted and remembered for her unwavering dedication to social justice and human rights. Her groundbreaking work has been instrumental in shaping American laws and policies. As a respected figure in the civil rights movement, her quotes and insights continue to inspire individuals working towards creating a more just society.

Through her remarkable career, Eleanor Holmes Norton has demonstrated that one person can make a profound difference in promoting equality and justice.

Quotes by Eleanor Holmes Norton

We understand that in an open and democratic and free society, you cannot make yourself impenetrable, especially when there are more guns than there are people in the United States today.
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We understand that in an open and democratic and free society, you cannot make yourself impenetrable, especially when there are more guns than there are people in the United States today.
EH
I am proud to be an American, proud to represent 600,000 Americans, and proud to be in the only party pledged to make the District of Columbia the 51st state.
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I am proud to be an American, proud to represent 600,000 Americans, and proud to be in the only party pledged to make the District of Columbia the 51st state.
EH
I don't for a moment believe that women have suffered the same kind of injustices that blacks have - women have never been enslaved. But still, many of the psychological and economic problems are the same.
"
I don't for a moment believe that women have suffered the same kind of injustices that blacks have - women have never been enslaved. But still, many of the psychological and economic problems are the same.
EH
As commissioner, I will attempt to see that no man is judged by the irrational criteria of race, religion, or national origin. And I assure you, I use the word 'man' in the generic sense, for I mean to see that the principle of nondiscrimination becomes a reality for women as well.
"
As commissioner, I will attempt to see that no man is judged by the irrational criteria of race, religion, or national origin. And I assure you, I use the word 'man' in the generic sense, for I mean to see that the principle of nondiscrimination becomes a reality for women as well.
EH
I agree that income disparity is the great issue of our time. It is even broader and more difficult than the civil rights issues of the 1960s. The '99 percent' is not just a slogan. The disparity in income has left the middle class with lowered, not rising, income, and the poor unable to reach the middle class.
"
I agree that income disparity is the great issue of our time. It is even broader and more difficult than the civil rights issues of the 1960s. The '99 percent' is not just a slogan. The disparity in income has left the middle class with lowered, not rising, income, and the poor unable to reach the middle class.
EH
The broad brush of stereotyping is what least appeals to people of color.
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The broad brush of stereotyping is what least appeals to people of color.
EH
That line, about half of somebody's supporters being deplorables, was maybe the worst line I've ever heard in politics. You never - even when you're running against a bunch of racists, you never take off against the voters. It was a politics 101 foible.
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That line, about half of somebody's supporters being deplorables, was maybe the worst line I've ever heard in politics. You never - even when you're running against a bunch of racists, you never take off against the voters. It was a politics 101 foible.
EH
My generation took on political equality. I believe young people, who have graduated into a poor economy, have an incentive to take on much tougher issues of income equality. If they show the leadership they have demonstrated in the last few elections, they can bring changes even greater than my generation achieved.
"
My generation took on political equality. I believe young people, who have graduated into a poor economy, have an incentive to take on much tougher issues of income equality. If they show the leadership they have demonstrated in the last few elections, they can bring changes even greater than my generation achieved.
EH
I went to Dunbar High School, recognized as the best high school of the segregated era. The education enabled students from Dunbar to attend the best colleges and universities in the country.
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I went to Dunbar High School, recognized as the best high school of the segregated era. The education enabled students from Dunbar to attend the best colleges and universities in the country.
EH
I am not among those who engage in nostalgia, because I think that locks you into a moment in time without thinking about where you are, what needs to be done now.
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I am not among those who engage in nostalgia, because I think that locks you into a moment in time without thinking about where you are, what needs to be done now.
EH
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