THE VFA PIONEER HISTORIES PROJECT

Mary Brown “Brownie” Williams Ledbetter

April 28, 1932 – March 21, 2010

“I was fortunate to call Brownie my friend, and I will remember her not just for life-long work to advance social justice, but also for her warmth, humor and humanity.” – Hillary Rodham Clinton, Secretary of State, March 22, 2010

Activist, social justice crusader and lobbyist who was involved in the civil rights, feminist, labor and environmental movements in  Arkansas, United States and abroad. Founding member, Arkansas Women’s Political Caucus. Organizing member ERA/Arkansas Coalition, 1973–1978.  Founder and director, AR Career Resources, Inc. 1985 – 1990. State director, Southern Coalition for Educational Equity, 1982 – 1985. Legislative director, AR State Advisory Committee to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, the State Federation of Business and Professional Women. Co-founder with Bella Abzug of the Women’s Environment and Development Organization (WEDO). Organized the first Planned Parenthood affiliate and clinic in Arkansas in 1984. Ordained Elder in the Presbyterian Church.

Photo. Cal and Brownie Ledbetter, Panama, 1999 (© Pryor Center for Arkansas Oral and Visual History, University of Arkansas).