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LaVera Brown

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LaVera Brown (1931-2017) was born and raised in Pittsburgh. She attended the University of Pittsburgh (PITT), but left to pursue a career in New York City. In 1970, LaVera Brown became assistant director of The Reading is Fundamental program at the Urban League of Pittsburgh. Later, from 1985-1994, she served as Director of Volunteer Services at the United Way, becoming more involved in volunteerism from a local to a national level. Finally, after retiring from this position, Brown served as executive director the NAACP in Pittsburgh.

She was the first African American President of the YWCA Greater Pittsburgh[1], as well as the first employed woman to serve as YWCA President. Brown's presence encouraged more black women to become more involved within the organization. Brown co-founded the Coalition to Counter Hate Groups in 1979 through joint funding from the YWCA and National Organization for Women.[2] This committee actively participated in rallies to counter the Ku Klux Klan's resurgence in the city of Pittsburgh. [3] The committee also organized a Network of Neighbors to assist homeowners or businesses targeted by the KKK to ensure they had their support.

References

  1. ^ "In Sisterhood LaVera Brown".
  2. ^ "Volunteer advocate appointed Pittsburgh NAACP executive director". old.post-gazette.com. Retrieved October 8, 2017.
  3. ^ "YWCA reflects on KKK at Racial Justice Awards". New Pittsburgh Courier. November 23, 2011. Retrieved October 8, 2017.