COLLEGE PARK, Maryland — Gloria Richardson was born on May 6, 1922 in Baltimore, Md. Her family lated moved to Cambridge, Md. where she grew up in a well-off household. She earned her degree at Howard University in Washington, D.C. in 1942 and worked as a federal employee during WWII. Richardson eventually returned to Cambridge and in 1961, when the Freedom Riders came through town, her involvement with political activist kicked off.
In the early 1960’s, she started the Cambridge Movement, which encouraged blacks in the to protest against segregation in the community and the racial economic disparities. Richardson inspired the group, leading protests and riots, which eventually led to the Treaty of Cambridge.
Richardson was a trailblazer in her community who promoted armed self-defense tactics that shaped the Cambridge Movement.
Throughout the month of March, which is recognized as Women’s History Month, we introduced you to historic female figures connected to Maryland, including Harriet Tubman, Elizabeth Ann Seton, Billie Holiday and Katie Ledecky.
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