THE VFA PIONEER HISTORIES PROJECT
Johnnie Tillmon-Blackston
April 10, 1926 – November 22, 1995
“When I Think of My Life, I Think of Someone Who Really Cared, Who Wanted to Change things in America for the Poor.”
Welfare rights activist, civil rights activist, feminist. Advocated for a universal basic income and dignity for all. Fought for welfare reform, 1960s-1970s. Organized and helped found one of the first grassroots welfare mothers’ organizations, ANC (Aid to Needy Children) Mothers Anonymous, 1963. ANC Mothers became part of the National Welfare Rights Organization (NWRO). Helped to inspire MLK’s Poor People’s Campaign. Served as chairperson followed by Executive Director, NWRO, 1972-1974. Connecting welfare rights activism and the feminist movement, reached out to the National Organization for Women (NOW) and published an essay in Ms. Magazine, “Welfare is a Woman’s Issue,” 1972.
More About Johnnie:
- Obituary, The Los Angeles Times
- Sunday Profile, The Los Angeles Times, July 9, 1995
- Welfare is a Woman’s Issue: The Story of Johnnie Tillmon, Radical Tea Towel
- Forgotten Feminisms: Johnnie Tillmon’s Battle Against ‘The Man,’ NYBooks.com
- “Welfare Is a Women’s Issue” (Spring 1972), Ms. Magazine
- Interview with Johnnie Tillmon, Avalon Media System
- Johnnie Tillmon, Wikipedia