Aileen Hernandez, American union organizer and activist (b. 1926)

Aileen Clarke Hernandez: A Life Dedicated to Justice and Equality

Aileen Clarke Hernandez (May 23, 1926 – February 13, 2017) was an extraordinary African-American activist whose life seamlessly wove together the threads of the labor movement, the civil rights struggle, and the burgeoning women's rights movement. A tireless advocate for social change, Hernandez left an indelible mark as a pioneering union organizer, a pivotal leader in the National Organization for Women (NOW), and a groundbreaking figure on the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Her career embodied the intersectional fight for justice, striving to dismantle barriers of race, gender, and class.

Early Life, Education, and the Genesis of Activism

Born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1926, Aileen Clarke Hernandez's early experiences shaped her lifelong commitment to equality. She attended the prestigious Howard University, a historically Black university (HBCU) renowned for nurturing leaders in civil rights and social justice. It was during her time at Howard that her dedication to civil rights was profoundly cemented by a deeply personal and infuriating incident: she was told she had to hail a "black" taxi, a stark and undeniable manifestation of the pervasive Jim Crow segregation laws that dictated daily life for African Americans, even in the nation's capital. This direct encounter with systemic discrimination underscored the urgent need for change and fueled her resolve to fight for a more equitable society. Graduating with honors, Hernandez was prepared to tackle the injustices she observed.

Championing Workers' Rights: A Union Organizer

Following her academic success, Hernandez embarked on a career as a labor union organizer. This role was a natural fit for her burgeoning activism, as the labor movement of the mid-20th century often intersected with civil rights, fighting not only for fair wages and working conditions but also against workplace discrimination based on race and gender. She became particularly active with the International Ladies' Garment Workers' Union (ILGWU), where she organized workers and advocated for their rights. Her work in the unions provided her with invaluable experience in community organizing, negotiation, and mobilizing diverse groups toward a common goal, skills that would prove crucial in her later leadership roles.

A Historic Appointment: The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)

Aileen Clarke Hernandez achieved a significant milestone with her appointment as the first woman to serve on the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). This federal agency was established by Title VII of the landmark Civil Rights Act of 1964, specifically to interpret and enforce federal laws prohibiting discrimination against employees based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Her presence on the commission was groundbreaking, ensuring that the perspectives and experiences of women, particularly women of color, were represented at the highest levels of federal policy-making concerning workplace equality. Her tenure helped shape the early directives and enforcement strategies of this vital institution.

Leading the Feminist Movement: President of NOW

Hernandez was instrumental in the founding of the National Organization for Women (NOW) in 1966, a pivotal organization born out of the second-wave feminist movement to advocate for women's full participation in American society. Her leadership capabilities and commitment to social justice quickly became evident, leading to her election as NOW's second president, serving from 1970 to 1971. During her impactful presidency, she spearheaded several landmark initiatives:

• Organizing the Women's Strike for Equality: On August 26, 1970, the 50th anniversary of women's suffrage, Hernandez helped orchestrate the monumental Women's Strike for Equality. This nationwide demonstration, involving tens of thousands of women across the United States, amplified demands for equal opportunity in employment and education, access to abortion, and free 24-hour childcare. It was one of the largest demonstrations for women's rights in American history and brought significant public attention to feminist issues.
• Advocacy for the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA): Hernandez passionately testified before a congressional subcommittee in support of the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA). This proposed constitutional amendment aimed to guarantee legal gender equality for all American citizens, stating that "Equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex." Her testimony underscored the urgent need for constitutional protection against sex-based discrimination.

A Principled Departure and the Fight for Intersectional Feminism

Despite her significant contributions to NOW, Hernandez made the difficult decision to leave the organization in 1971. Her departure stemmed from deep-seated frustration with what she perceived as racial inequities within the mainstream feminist movement. Hernandez was a vocal proponent of intersectional feminism, recognizing that women's rights could not be fully achieved without also addressing the unique challenges and systemic discrimination faced by women of color. She felt that NOW, in its early stages, often prioritized the concerns of white, middle-class women, failing to adequately integrate the struggles of African-American women and other minority groups. Her decision highlighted a crucial fault line within the feminist movement and underscored her unwavering commitment to a more inclusive vision of equality.

Continuing the Legacy: Post-NOW Activism and Academia

Following her tenure at NOW, Aileen Clarke Hernandez continued her relentless pursuit of social justice. She co-founded several influential organizations specifically dedicated to empowering African-American women and advancing their political and social interests. Notable among these was Black Women Organized for Political Action (BWOPA) in 1968, an organization focused on increasing the involvement of Black women in the political process and advocating for policies that impact their communities. She also contributed to the National Women's Political Caucus (NWPC), further solidifying her commitment to broad-based women's political engagement.

Beyond her direct activism, Hernandez shared her vast knowledge and experience through academia, teaching at several universities in California, including San Francisco State University and the University of California, Santa Cruz. Her teaching allowed her to inspire future generations of activists and scholars, imparting critical insights into the dynamics of race, gender, and class in American society.

A Lasting Impact

Aileen Clarke Hernandez passed away in 2017 at the age of 90, leaving behind a profound legacy of tireless activism and principled leadership. Her life's work demonstrated the critical importance of fighting for justice on multiple fronts, proving that true equality requires addressing the interwoven challenges of racism, sexism, and economic disparity. She remains an enduring symbol of courage, integrity, and the power of an individual to shape a more just world.

Frequently Asked Questions About Aileen Clarke Hernandez

What was Aileen Clarke Hernandez best known for?

Aileen Clarke Hernandez is best known for her pioneering roles as an African-American union organizer, a civil rights and women's rights activist, and particularly as the second president of the National Organization for Women (NOW). She was also the first woman appointed to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).

Why did Aileen Clarke Hernandez leave NOW?

Hernandez left the National Organization for Women (NOW) due to her frustration with what she perceived as racial inequities within the organization. She advocated for a more intersectional approach to feminism that would explicitly address the unique challenges faced by women of color, feeling that NOW's focus often neglected these critical issues.

What was the significance of the "black taxi" incident in her life?

The "black taxi" incident at Howard University, where she was directed to hail a segregated taxi, served as a pivotal moment that cemented her interest and commitment to civil rights. It was a direct, personal encounter with the pervasive Jim Crow laws and racial discrimination, reinforcing her resolve to fight for equality.