Dr. Lindsay Biography

“Dr. Lindsay was a leader and a pioneer in social work education. She possessed the qualities of what some term a great man [woman] view of leadership, one in which individuals are uniquely endowed with characteristics that caused them to stand out from the rest” (Mc- Daniel & Balgopal, 1978). Throughout Dr. Lindsay’s lifespan, she encountered many experiences that shaped her into becoming a leader, as well as a social work pioneer. Dr. Lindsay was born on February 13, 1900, in St. Joseph, Missouri. At a young age, Dr. Lindsay was exposed to racial discrimination and oppression. She grew up in the Post-Reconstruction era, during Jim Crow segregation. During this timing, Dr. Lindsay looked up to two Black leaders that are still acknowledged this day, Booker T. Washington and W.E.B Dubois. Booker T. Washington focused on blacks accepting discrimination, and concentrating on elevating themselves. Meanwhile, W.E.B. Dubois focused on changing racial relations in America. Dr. Lindsay was influenced to do both, growing up in an era that needed to be fix, she knew that she wanted to fight for social justice. Dr. Lindsay was also encouraged by her family’s involvement in social activism, as she quotes, “Our whole family had been socially conscious and supportive of the movements and programs in our

Lindsay’s family had high expectations for education. Dr. Lindsay’s mother, Margaret Hawkins Burns, also went by Maggie, made sacrifices so her children can receive an education that was worthwhile, she would work as a domestic, or potentially anything else that would distribute to a good education. In the eighth grade, Dr. Lindsay demonstrated being socially aware, by entering an essay contest and discussing the prevention of tuberculosis due to her brother’s death from rampant disease. Unfortunately, there were two winners. A White girl, and Dr. Lindsay, whom was listed as second place. This early experience has played a huge part in her wanting to put an end to