Former Senator Margaret Carter's journey from Shreveport, Louisiana, to Portland, Oregon, is a tale of resilience and groundbreaking achievements. Born in 1935 into a Christian family, she grew up during the Great Depression but was shielded from its worst effects by her father's roles as a minister and home builder. Her early life was deeply involved in the church and music, leading her to play piano for her father's church and join a gospel singing group.
Margaret's academic prowess was evident from a young age, skipping grades and excelling in oratorical contests. Despite facing social challenges and discrimination, she used her intellect and voice as her weapons, guided by her mother's advice to use words, not tears. Her early experiences with the NAACP ignited a lifelong commitment to civil rights and community service.
After attending Grambling State University on a scholarship, Margaret moved to Portland, Oregon, in 1967 with her five children to escape domestic violence. There, she quickly found work and eventually became a teacher's aide. Her entry into politics was unexpected, as she was approached by two white Republicans who saw potential in her leadership. Despite immense challenges, including racism and sexism, she became the first African American woman elected to the Oregon State Legislature in 1984. Her legislative work focused on economic development, education, and civil rights.
Throughout her career, Senator Carter faced numerous obstacles but never lost sight of her goals and the needs of her community. She married again, adding four more children to her family, and continued to advocate for her nine children and her community. Her legacy is one of breaking barriers, championing equality, and inspiring future generations to continue the fight for justice and opportunity for all.
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Key Points:
Early Involvement in Church and Music
Academic Excellence
NAACP and Voter Registration
Education and Early Career
Legislative Work
Overcoming Challenges
Family and Community
Follow: Find us on all social platforms @oregonhiddenlegacy for updates on upcoming episodes and exclusive content.
Listener Feedback: Share your thoughts and stories about Senator Margaret Carter’s journey on our website www.oregonhiddenlegacy.org. We'd love to hear from you!
13 мар 2024
