Jane Addams: Pioneer of Social Justice

I am currently rereading Jane Addams: Pioneer of Social Justice by Cornelia Meigs. I first read this fabulous biography in junior high school, likely for a book report. Even then, social justice and activism interested me keenly.


Ms. Adams grew up in Illinois, in a small village. Her father owned property, including a lumber mill and a grist mill, and she was brought up in comfortable financial circumstances. Her father was a Quaker, and taught her to think for herself.


Born in 1860, one of her first memories was her father's overwhelming sadness, following the assassination of President Lincoln in April, 1865. Even then, as young as she was, she wanted very much to make a difference in the world, and to help those less fortunate than she. She went on to do just that, and as her biographer so aptly reminds the reader, Ms. Addams' influence is still felt today.

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