Erma Clardy Craven

Erma Clardy Craven
BornNovember 2, 1918
Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S.
DiedJune 19, 1994
Alma materCollege of St. Scholastica
OccupationAnti-abortion Activist

Erma Clardy Craven (November 2, 1918 - June 19, 1994) was an African American anti-abortion activist and leader in several anti-abortion advocacy groups, including the National Right to Life Committee and Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life.[1]

Early life and education

Craven was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota and attended South High School.[2] She then attended the College of St. Scholastica in Duluth, Minnesota where she earned her bachelor's in social work. After she graduated, she worked in an ammunition plant supporting the American World War II effort.[2] She returned to Minneapolis in the 1950s.[3]

Activism

Craven published multiple works on the topic of abortion during her lifetime. In 1972, she published an essay titled "Abortion, Poverty and Black Genocide: Gifts to the Poor?" The work has since become a "classic read for [anti-abortion] activists across the country.[4][5]" This reflected her lifelong concern that abortion functioned as a form of eugenics against African Americans by the federal government.[2][6]

In 1976, Craven addressed the Democratic National Convention, where she seconded the nomination of Ellen McCormack.[3][7]

Craven long favored education about birth control instead of abortion, and was concerned about the increasing alliance between anti-abortion activists and conservatives in the United States during the 20th century.[4]

Personal life

Craven described herself as a "liberal democrat and a radical Methodist.[8]"

Craven had at least one son, James Craven, who is an actor.[3]

References

  1. ^ Uncategorized | 0 |, American360 | | (March 3, 2018). "Meet four Black women who spoke against abortion as 'Black genocide'". American Renewal Project. Retrieved June 20, 2024.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  2. ^ a b c Powell, Meili (July 23, 2017). "Erma Clardy Craven (1918-1994) •". Retrieved June 20, 2024.
  3. ^ a b c Tribune, Rohan Preston Star (March 5, 2015). "It's been a storied life for actor James Craven". Star Tribune. Retrieved June 20, 2024.
  4. ^ a b Donnally, Jennifer (2013). "The Politics of Abortion and the Rise of the New Right" (PDF).
  5. ^ "Black Pro-Life Pioneers: Erma Clardy Craven - National Right to Life". nrlc.org. February 2, 2018. Retrieved June 20, 2024.
  6. ^ "Abortion: The Racist's Most Devastating Weapon | EWTN". EWTN Global Catholic Television Network. Retrieved June 20, 2024.
  7. ^ Electing the President: Proceedings of the Democratic National Conventions, 1832-1988. Gale, a Cengage Company. 2013. p. 305-306.
  8. ^ Banisky, Sandy (June 15, 1992). "Blacks split on issue of abortion Genocide to some is vital choice to others". Baltimore Sun. Retrieved June 20, 2024.