Dorothy Pitman Hughes was a pioneering feminist who worked closely with Gloria Steinem to fight for women’s rights.
- Died: December 1, 2022 (Who else died on December 1?)
- Details of death: Died at her daughter’s home in Tampa, Florida of old age at the age of 84.
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Pioneering feminist
Pitman Hughes began her lifetime of activism as a young woman in New York City, having noticed a great need for childcare for working mothers. She opened the West 80th Community Childcare Center, which attracted the attention of journalist Steinem. Steinem profiled Pitman Hughes and her work for New York magazine, marking the beginning of a lifelong collaborative friendship. The two had frequent public speaking engagements together, and in 1971, they were photographed in one of the most famous shots of the era. Standing side by side, they raised their right fists in a gesture of solidarity. That same year, Pitman Hughes encouraged Steinem to create Ms., the groundbreaking feminist magazine. Though she did not maintain a role within Ms., Pitman Hughes’ early influence caused her to be called one of its founders.
In 1972, Pitman Hughes was one of the signers of the “We Have Had Abortions” campaign mounted by Ms., encouraging women to speak out about their abortions in the days before Roe v. Wade. She founded New York’s first shelter for battered women. Later in life, she founded Harlem Office Supply, Inc., becoming the first African-American woman to own such a store. She sold stock at a dollar a share, particularly offering it to people and organizations helping Black children. In the 2020 movie “The Glorias,” Pitman Hughes was portrayed by Janelle Monae.
Tributes to Dorothy Pitman Hughes
Full obituary: Sconiers Funeral Home – Columbus
