Lucian Louis Watts was a Virginia statesman who advocated for government services to support blind citizens. As the first Executive Secretary of the Virginia Department for the Blind and Visually Impaired, he promoted campaigns to prevent blindness, oversaw the development of educational programs for blind adults, and was instrumental in the introduction of sight-saving classes for children with impaired vision in Virginia’s public schools.
Continue Reading »By SWHP staff, 2022. Marian Wright Edelman has been recognized and celebrated for her talents and tireless advocacy on behalf of children and families. Edelman was founder and president of the Children’s Defense Fund (CDF).
Continue Reading »H. D. C. Maclachlan Social reformer, community leader and advocate for juvenile courts Alice W. Campbell Hugh David Cathcart Maclachlan, D. D. (1869-1929) was born March 16, 1869 in Barrhead, Renfrewshire, Scotland. As a young man, he earned A. M. and B. L. degrees from the University of Glasgow. Then, in 1894, Maclachlan came…
Continue Reading »Virginia Spotswood McKenney Claiborne (1887 – 1981): activist for women’s education and occupational opportunity, museum director by Alice W. Campbell The author is grateful to Meg Hughes, Director of Collections and Chief Curator at The Valentine and to Christine K. Vida, Elise H. Wright Curator of General Collections at The Valentine, for bringing the…
Continue Reading »Anna M. Petersen, reformatory superintendent, educator, eugenicist by Alice W. Campbell, Virginia Commonwealth University Libraries Anna M. Petersen served as superintendent of the Virginia Home and Industrial School for Girls (Bon Air, VA) from 1914 – 1920. Beginning in October 1916, Petersen took part in organizational meetings that would result in the founding of…
Continue Reading »Orie Latham Hatcher, Ph.D. (December 10, 1868 – April 1, 1946): educator, pioneer of vocational guidance, founder, Bureau of Vocations for Women, organizer, Richmond School of Social Economy by Laura Crouch, Virginia Commonwealth University Libraries Orie Latham Hatcher (1868-1946) was an educator and influential advocate for vocational guidance, both for women and for young…
Continue Reading »During the past twenty-seven years she has been engaged in religious work, especially devoting her time and talents to evangelistic and rescue work among girls and women. Countless numbers have thus found in her an appreciative and sympathizing friend and a guide and help in time of sorest need.
Continue Reading »Alan Keith-Lucas (1910-1995): International Child Welfare Scholar & Advocate, Social Work Educator, and Author by Breanna Schuetz Alan Keith-Lucas was a noted educator, author, and consultant in the care and welfare of children. In his extensive writings he addressed the helping relationship, and expanded the focus of helping children in group care to include…
Continue Reading »William Lloyd Garrison (December 10, 1805 – May 24, 1879) – Abolitionist and Editor of The Liberator By Catherine A. Paul “I will be as harsh as truth, and as uncompromising as justice. On this subject I do not wish to think, or speak, or write, with moderation.… I am in earnest—I will not equivocate—I will not…
Continue Reading »Author of Social Work: The Membership Perspective, Dr. Falck’s greatest contribution to the field was his development of the “Membership Theory” and his study of its implications and consequences for social work practice.
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