You Get Rights, You Get Rights, Everybody Get’s Rights!
In modern terminology (and, mild quack-science), Eleanor may be called an ’empath.’ That’s the only way we can understand how she so selflessly devoted her life to advocating for the rights of others. Sure, she wanted to find ways to earn and maintain popularity with the American public, but she continued her advocacy work for 17 more years following her husband’s death.
Whether it was African Americans, Asian Americans, children, women, you name it, Eleanor was on their side. She established multiple organizations and programs in the U.S. and, like the queen she was, was constantly touring the country meeting people and making a difference.
Making Media Waves in America
Roosevelt took advantage of the media for her advocacy in ways unprecedented. From hosting a radio show to writing monthly columns (even a daily column for some 30 years until her passing), to good old-fashioned press conferences, Roosevelt did it all. She also imposed a funny, though at the time impactful, rule on her press conferences; no male reporters.
In so doing, Roosevelt granted female journalists the stage to further their careers in ways it just weren’t possible before. And, hey, who was more influential than the First Lady of the United States?
The United Nations
What do you do when your 12-year gig of leading the United States is up? You move elsewhere, of course! Roosevelt was the FIRST U.S. delegate to the United Nations, and she was appointed the first chairperson of the United Nations Commission on Human Rights. You know the Universal Declaration of Human Rights? Take a look at the end, and see ‘Eleanor Boss Babe Roosevelt’ front and center.