Who Loves the Rain
And loves his home,
And looks on life with quiet eyes,…
Frances Shaw (1904-1990) was an influential American social reformer and civil rights advocate whose work greatly impacted the fight for gender and racial equality during the mid-20th century. Born in Columbus, Ohio, Shaw grew up in a progressive household that valued education and social justice. She attended Oberlin College, where she graduated with a degree in sociology.
Shaw's early career was marked by her involvement with the settlement house movement, working in Chicago and New York to provide educational and social services to the urban poor. In the 1930s, she joined the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), where she became a tireless advocate for African American rights, helping to dismantle segregation in public institutions and workplaces.
During World War II, Shaw worked with various organizations to support women entering the workforce, championing policies that promoted equal pay and opportunities. After the war, she continued her activism, focusing on legislative efforts that culminated in the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
Shaw’s legacy is reflected in her relentless dedication to equality and justice, leaving an enduring mark on the social and legal landscape of the United States. She remained active in civil rights advocacy until her death in 1990.