Born in Texas in 1924, Willie T. Barrow exhibited her activist spirit at a very young age. At just 12 years old, she stood up to the unequal treatment she and other African-American students received. They were unable to ride the school bus with fellow white students.

Barrow found her true calling after moving to Chicago with her husband Clyde. She helped found Operation Breadbasket, an idea civil rights leaders in the South were using at the time to boycott discriminatory white-owned businesses and draw attention to the economic power held by African-Americans. She traveled with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to demonstrate in Selma, Alabama and is credited with helping bring Dr. King to Chicago. 

Barrow would go on to become the Executive Director of Operation PUSH, an organization dedicated to serving the poor and most vulnerable in Chicago.

Barrow was a trailblazer who not only led the fight for civil rights for African-Americans but also was an outspoken advocate for women’s rights and gay rights. She brought attention to the AIDS crisis at a time most public figures tried to shy away from the topic.

Known as the “Little Warrior” for her short stature but effective and outspoken tactics, Barrow is remembered by many for spending her life fighting for justice for all.

Learn more:  
President Obama on the passing of Reverend Willie T. Barrow
Willie T. Barrow – National Visionary Leadership Project
Chicago Tribune on Rev. Willie T. Barrow