Ethel Maynard 1905-1980

Ethel Maynard was a registered nurse who worked in hospitals and schools. She was a community activist who worked to desegregate schools, public facilities and employment. She served on the board for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and the board of Planned Parenthood. She promoted public health through access to birth control and revisions in abortion law. She was the first African-American woman elected to the Arizona state legislature from 1966 until 1972. She co-wrote a bill for the state to support kindergarten and fought highways running through neighborhoods. She also supported suffrage for 18-year-olds. She continued to fight for improved conditions despite racial disturbances.