Grace Lee Boggs
Social Activist / Writer / Founder
Boggs Center
Detroit, MI USA
“In order to change society, we have to transform ourselves.”
Videos
By Roadtrip NationGrace Lee Boggs
Milestones
My road in life has been direct.
Studied European philosophy; got her Ph.D. in 1940, the year France fell to the Nazis: "all of a sudden, there was Europe in chaos."
Knew after school, she was going to have a tough time finding a job as an Asian-American woman, even with her Ph.D.
Didn't grow up politically minded, didn't consider herself a radical, but she always knew "there were things that needed to change."
First inspired after the March on Washington Movement successfully forced passage of Executive Order 8802, ending discrimination in defense industry.
After seeing "what a movement could do," knew she wanted to become an activist in the black movement.
Moved to Detroit, once the epicenter of industrialization, to try to find solutions in the aftermath of the "exodus of the corporations."
Mayor wanted to replace auto industry with casino industry, but she successfully fought against it, recognized that economy as "exploitative."
Says that while "successful" is not a word she'd use to describe her life, it has been meaningful-"and isn't that what we all want?"
Keep following my journey
Education
Career
Social Activist / Writer / Founder
I'm an author, social activist, philosopher and feminist, focusing on struggles in the African American community.
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Non-Profit Organizations
Politics
Upholding a Cause and Belief
Hurdles
Challenges I Overcame
Other
Interviewed By
Chicago - Orlando
In Chicago, the Central route team interviews Charna Halpern, founder of Improv Olympic. The Northern route team heads to Detroit to interview Grace Lee Bogs, movement activist and writer. The Southern route team continues their journey in Florida to interview Mary Spio, satellite engineer turned magazine founder.
