
American
Activist
27 Jun 1880
01 Jun 1968
Helen Adams Keller, born on June 27, 1880, in Tuscumbia, Alabama, faced a life-altering challenge at just 19 months old when an illness left her blind and deaf. Yet, with the steadfast help of her teacher and lifelong companion, Anne Sullivan, Keller learned to communicate, initially using finger spelling and later mastering braille, speech, and even typing. Her determination to overcome her disabilities and thirst for knowledge led her to Radcliffe College, where she became the first deaf-blind person to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree.
Beyond her personal achievements, Keller became a tireless advocate for people with disabilities, working closely with organizations like the American Foundation for the Blind. Her advocacy spanned various causes, including women's suffrage, pacifism, and workers' rights. Through her numerous books, lectures, and public appearances, Keller proved that with tenacity and the right support, any obstacle could be overcome. When she passed away on June 1, 1968, she left behind a legacy of resilience, activism, and an unwavering belief in the human potential to triumph against all odds.