THE VFA PIONEER HISTORIES PROJECT

Edith Mays Swanson

1934-1989

“She was a fighter. She believed that you could achieve anything you wanted as long as you believed in yourself.”  – Gloria Boone, Edith’s cousin

Educator and equal rights leader who raised awareness of race and sex bias in textbooks.  Spearheaded the adoption of affirmative action policies by the Michigan Education Association. Bargained for pay equity for female coaches in her school district. National Education Association executive committee. Vice President of the Michigan Education Association, 1977-1983. Member of the Democratic Rules Committee. Vice Chairperson of the Washtenaw Black Democratic Caucus.