Difference between revisions of "The Grey Panthers"
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In 1950, Maggie Kuhn agreed to take an executive job with the United Presbyterian Church, where she edited a journal called Social Progress that supported equality regardless of gender, race, or age.[3] 20 years later, at the age of 65, Maggie Kuhn was asked to retire. Disgusted with the “immoral waste of precious human resources” and retirement laws that “automatically scrap-pile people just like old automobiles”[4], Maggie Kuhn and five friends created the Consultation of Older and Younger Adults for Social Change, which was later named the Gray Panthers, a name similar to that of the Black Panthers.[5] The Gray Panthers grew from a group of six friends to a mob of 100 members, who attended the Gray Panther’s first public meeting.[6] Both young and old were brought together while dealing with issues surrounding the mistreatment of individuals due to age, race, or sex.[7] | In 1950, Maggie Kuhn agreed to take an executive job with the United Presbyterian Church, where she edited a journal called Social Progress that supported equality regardless of gender, race, or age.[3] 20 years later, at the age of 65, Maggie Kuhn was asked to retire. Disgusted with the “immoral waste of precious human resources” and retirement laws that “automatically scrap-pile people just like old automobiles”[4], Maggie Kuhn and five friends created the Consultation of Older and Younger Adults for Social Change, which was later named the Gray Panthers, a name similar to that of the Black Panthers.[5] The Gray Panthers grew from a group of six friends to a mob of 100 members, who attended the Gray Panther’s first public meeting.[6] Both young and old were brought together while dealing with issues surrounding the mistreatment of individuals due to age, race, or sex.[7] | ||
| − | After organizing a protest for the nearly non-existent African American representation at the first White House Conference on Aging and speaking at the United Presbyterian Church general assembly, Maggie Kuhn and the Gray Panthers began receiving nation attention in newspapers, television, and on the radio.[8] The Gray Panthers not only created the National Media Task Force, which successfully change the Television Code of Ethics to include age, along with gender and race but also managed to help pass the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, which increased the retirement age from 65 to 70.[9] Furthermore, the Gray Panthers aided in forming the National Citizens Coalition for Nursing Home Reform, which helped reform care within nursing homes.[10] The Gray Panthers have gained the power to discuss matters with the Economic and Social Council within the United Nations and counsel the World Health Organization.[ | + | After organizing a protest for the nearly non-existent African American representation at the first White House Conference on Aging and speaking at the United Presbyterian Church general assembly, Maggie Kuhn and the Gray Panthers began receiving nation attention in newspapers, television, and on the radio.[8] The Gray Panthers not only created the National Media Task Force, which successfully change the Television Code of Ethics to include age, along with gender and race but also managed to help pass the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, which increased the retirement age from 65 to 70.[9] Furthermore, the Gray Panthers aided in forming the National Citizens Coalition for Nursing Home Reform, which helped reform care within nursing homes.[10] They also managed to kick off the first “Age and Youth in Action Summit”, which used the collaboration between young and old to fix common problems within the community.[11] The Gray Panthers have gained the power to discuss matters with the Economic and Social Council within the United Nations and counsel the World Health Organization.[12] |
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Revision as of 00:13, 2 September 2008
Contents
Summary
The Gray Panthers is an organization looking to free the old and young by changing the cruel, unfair, and immoral stereotypes against both groups in America. Operating on their motto “Age and Youth in Action”, the Gray Panthers looks to unite the elderly with the young to fight for social and economic equality.[1] The Gray Panthers seek to demolish the label already placed on the old and young as being less significant members of society. The Gray Panthers also promote awareness towards “universal health care; jobs with a living wage and the right to organize; the preservation of Social Security; affordable housing; access to quality education; economic justice; environment; peace; and challenging ageism, sexism, and racism”.[2] For more than 30 years, the Gray Panthers have continued to encourage change based on the beliefs of social equality.
Origin:
In 1950, Maggie Kuhn agreed to take an executive job with the United Presbyterian Church, where she edited a journal called Social Progress that supported equality regardless of gender, race, or age.[3] 20 years later, at the age of 65, Maggie Kuhn was asked to retire. Disgusted with the “immoral waste of precious human resources” and retirement laws that “automatically scrap-pile people just like old automobiles”[4], Maggie Kuhn and five friends created the Consultation of Older and Younger Adults for Social Change, which was later named the Gray Panthers, a name similar to that of the Black Panthers.[5] The Gray Panthers grew from a group of six friends to a mob of 100 members, who attended the Gray Panther’s first public meeting.[6] Both young and old were brought together while dealing with issues surrounding the mistreatment of individuals due to age, race, or sex.[7]
After organizing a protest for the nearly non-existent African American representation at the first White House Conference on Aging and speaking at the United Presbyterian Church general assembly, Maggie Kuhn and the Gray Panthers began receiving nation attention in newspapers, television, and on the radio.[8] The Gray Panthers not only created the National Media Task Force, which successfully change the Television Code of Ethics to include age, along with gender and race but also managed to help pass the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, which increased the retirement age from 65 to 70.[9] Furthermore, the Gray Panthers aided in forming the National Citizens Coalition for Nursing Home Reform, which helped reform care within nursing homes.[10] They also managed to kick off the first “Age and Youth in Action Summit”, which used the collaboration between young and old to fix common problems within the community.[11] The Gray Panthers have gained the power to discuss matters with the Economic and Social Council within the United Nations and counsel the World Health Organization.[12]
Chronology:
- Significant events & actions
- watershed moments
- turning points and phases of the organization
Significant People:
- individuals both inside the organization and out who impacted it’s course
Outcomes/Long Term Effects on U.S. Culture:
References:
1. "Gray Panthers". St. James Encyclopedia of Popular Culture. 5 vols. St. James Press, 2000. Reproduced in History Resource Center. Farmington Hills, MI: Gale. http://galenet.galegroup.com/servlet/HistRC/
2. "Gray Panthers"
3. "Maggie Kuhn". Encyclopedia of World Biography Supplement, Vol. 19. Gale Group, 1999. Reproduced in History Resource Center. Farmington Hills, MI: Gale. http://galenet.galegroup.com/servlet/HistRC/
4. Eleanor Blau. Special to The New York Times. "Gray Panthers Out to Liberate Aged." New York Times (1857-Current file). 21 May 1972,68. ProQuest Historical Newspapers. The New York Times (1851 - 2005). ProQuest. Taub Library, Houston, Texas. 31 Aug. 2008 <http://www.proquest.com/>.
5. "Maggie Kuhn"
6. "Maggie Kuhn"
7. "Maggie Kuhn"
8. "Maggie Kuhn"
9. "Gray Panthers"
10. "Maggie Kuhn"
11. "Gray Panthers"
12. "Maggie Kuhn"
