Florynce Kennedy (1916–2000) was an American lawyer, civil rights activist, and feminist. She was an outspoken advocate for gender equality, reproductive rights, and racial justice.
Born in Kansas City, Missouri, Kennedy was the daughter of a Pullman porter and the granddaughter of a former slave. She was raised in a segregated, impoverished neighborhood. Despite these challenges, Kennedy excelled academically and was the first in her family to attend college. She earned a degree in psychology from Columbia University in 1941.
During World War II, Kennedy served in the Women's Army Corps. After the war, she attended Howard University Law School, where she became the first woman to be the editor-in-chief of the school’s law review. She was also the only female student in her class.
In the 1960s, Kennedy became a prominent leader in the civil rights movement. She was an early advocate for the rights of women, often speaking out against the sexism and racism experienced by African-American women. She was a founding member of many civil rights organizations, including the National Organization for Women and the National Black Feminist Organization.
In the 1970s, Kennedy expanded her activism to encompass reproductive rights. She was an outspoken advocate for abortion rights and lobbied for the repeal of laws restricting access to abortions. Kennedy also organized protests and filed lawsuits against hospitals and clinics that refused to provide abortions.
Throughout her career, Kennedy was an outspoken critic of political leaders and institutions that she believed were oppressive or discriminatory. She was an outspoken advocate for the rights of African-American women and people of color. Her legacy of activism has had a lasting impact on American society.
Kennedy was also an author. In 1972, she published the book, "Florynce Kennedy: The Life and Times of a Black Feminist Radical." She also wrote numerous articles and essays.
Kennedy died in 2000 at the age of 84. She is remembered for her fierce advocacy and commitment to social justice. Her legacy lives on through the organizations and causes she championed.
