Cecile Richards, who died today, was indeed a “model of courageous citizenship.”
Richards began her political career at an early age, wearing a black armband to school, in protest of the Vietnam War. In seventh grade, she and some friends started a recycling program in their neighborhood. Richards also took a lead from her politically active parents, learning as a young adult how to advocate for workers’ rights and lead movements. During a 2020 interview with AWTT education director Connie Carter, Richards offered some provocative advice for young people: “Don’t wait to be asked. . . . Don’t just wait your turn. . . . Start before you’re ready.”
What inspired artist Robert Shetterly to paint her portrait was her fierce, brilliant leadership of Planned Parenthood from 2006 to 2018. In the announcement of her death, The Texas Tribune reported:
“Richards helped reshape Planned Parenthood into a political powerhouse as well as the nation’s leading provider of reproductive and sexual health care. She led the organization during a tumultuous time of attacks from Republicans, state efforts to defund the clinics and the first election of President Donald J. Trump. After leaving the organization in 2018, she remained active in Democratic politics and the fight for reproductive rights until her death.”
As we mourn her passing, we are reminded of the oft-quoted Talmudic lesson: “Do not be daunted by the enormity of the world’s grief. Do justly now, love mercy now, walk humbly now. You are not obligated to complete the work, but neither are you free to abandon it.” Cecil Richards embodied this wisdom throughout her too-short but courageous and momentous life.
Go here to view Richards’ AWTT portrait page, including a biographical sketch
Watch Connie Carter’s 2020 Speaking Truth to Youth interview with Richards