Ruth Batson

Ruth Batson
Born	August 3, 1921 Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
Died	October 28, 2003 (aged 82) Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
Nationality	American
Occupation	Civil rights activist, educator
Known for	Advocacy for desegregation in Boston Public Schools

Ruth M. Batson (August 3, 1921 – October 28, 2003) was an American civil rights activist and educator known for her work in advocating for the desegregation of Boston Public Schools. She played a significant role in the Civil Rights Movement and was a prominent figure in the fight for educational equality.

Early Life and Education

Ruth Batson was born in Boston, Massachusetts on August 3, 1921. She grew up in the Roxbury neighborhood, a predominantly African American community. Batson attended Boston Public Schools and later graduated from Boston University.

Civil Rights Activism

Batson's activism began in the 1950s when she joined the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). She quickly rose through the ranks and became the chairwoman of the NAACP's New England Regional Conference. In this role, she led efforts to address racial discrimination in education and other areas.

Desegregation of Boston Public Schools

One of Batson's most notable achievements was her work towards the desegregation of Boston Public Schools. In the early 1960s, she conducted a study that revealed significant disparities in the quality of education between schools attended by African American students and those attended by white students. This study provided crucial evidence that fueled the push for desegregation.

In 1963, Batson presented her findings to the Boston School Committee, demanding immediate action to address the inequities. Her advocacy led to the implementation of the Racial Imbalance Act in 1965, which aimed to eliminate racial imbalance in public schools across Massachusetts.

Later Career and Legacy

After her work with the NAACP, Batson continued to be an influential figure in the field of education. She served as the executive director of the Metropolitan Council for Educational Opportunity (METCO), a voluntary desegregation program that allowed students from Boston to attend suburban schools.

Batson's contributions to civil rights and education have been widely recognized. She received numerous awards and honors for her work, including honorary degrees from several institutions.

Personal Life

Ruth Batson was married and had three children. She remained active in her community until her death on October 28, 2003, in Boston, Massachusetts.

See Also

• Civil Rights Movement
• Desegregation
• NAACP
• Boston Public Schools
• METCO