Monday, March 25, at 6:45 pm, online
A trailblazing figure in American journalism, Elsie Robinson took center stage nearly a century ago when she launched her nationally syndicated column, Listen, World! Robinson, then the most-read woman in America and the highest-paid female writer in the William Randolph Hearst media empire, utilized her platform between 1924 and 1956 to address critical social issues. With a readership exceeding 20 million, she tackled gender inequality, racism, and antisemitism.
At a time when societal conversations were often limited, Robinson empowered her readers by inviting them to participate in the discourse. Decades ahead of her time, Robinson printed her readers’ fiery letters in her pages. This approach transformed her column into a dynamic platform for dialogue, setting the stage for future generations of journalists and activists.
Allison Gilbert, co-author of Listen, World! will join Dr. Amy K. Milligan online for a conversation about Robinson and how she used her writing as a tool for tikkun olam – repairing the world and speaking truth to power. Described by The New York Times as someone “one does not tire of spending time with,” Robinson’s story is unveiled with a careful blend of historical detail and personal narrative. The Wall Street Journal has hailed the book as “an important contribution to women’s history,” recognizing the significance of bringing Robinson’s struggles and triumphs into the spotlight.
This event is the third and final part in the Konikoff Center for Learning of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater’s SHEroes of History series, which celebrates the often-overlooked contributions of American women to history and aims to shed light on their impactful legacies.
Learn more or register for this free online program by visiting JewishVA.org/UnsungSHEroes.