The way of life in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s was nowhere near picture perfect for minority groups, such as the African Americans. Although African Americans were no longer slaves, most whites continued to belittle them through the practice of segregation. Eleanor Roosevelt was one of the several brave women to stand up against the ignorant and white supremacist view during the time period. Roosevelt utilized her official position, the first lady of the United States, to decimate the beliefs that whites were superior by encouraging laws, conducting speeches, and by severing affiliations with groups that practice segregation. Eleanor Roosevelt’s contributions to equality in the United States all throughout her lifetime will forever be remembered and honored in history. Eleanor Roosevelt had a blessed but mournful childhood. Anna Eleanor Roosevelt, the first child of Anna and Elliot Roosevelt, was born on October 11, 1884 in New York City. Although, Eleanor was born into a wealthy family and was the niece of the 26th president Theodore Roosevelt, her …show more content…
Therefore, Eleanor attended Allenswood Academy in London from age 15 to 18. During Eleanor’s three years spent at Allenswood, she was mentored by the headmistress, Marie Souvestre (Black, n.d.). Due to Souvestre’s interests in liberal causes, history and travel, the same interests became prevalent in Eleanor (Black, n.d.). Through Allenswood, Eleanor was able to come out of her shell and eloquently voice her opinions (Black, n.d.). Roosevelt later went on to describe the three years spent at Allenswood as the best of her life, and stated Souvestre was one of the most influential people in her life (Black, n.d.). Allenswood Academy helped mold Eleanor into the women she later developed into, and additionally prepared her for her future political