Grace Lee Boggs

Grace Lee Boggs (1915-2015) was an activist, writer, speaker, and philosopher whose political involvement spanned major social movements of the 20th century, including workers’ rights, civil rights, women’s rights, and environmental justice.  Born in Rhode Island, the daughter of Chinese immigrants, Grace studied at Barnard College and Bryn Mawr, receiving her Ph.D. in 1940. Her studies in philosophy and the writings of Marx, Hegel, and Margaret Mead led to a lifetime of social activism. She embraced a philosophy of constant questioning and service – believing that lasting social change happens not through large revolutions, but through local acts of love and kindness. Grace often said that “you cannot change any society unless you take responsibility for it, unless you see yourself as belonging to it.”  She authored many books, and was the subject of an award-winning documentary. 

“These are the times to grow our souls. Each of us is called upon to embrace the conviction that, despite the powers and principalities bent on commodifying all human relationships, we have the power within us to create the world anew.” - Grace Lee Boggs