Unit 5: A Changing New York
People who Made a Difference
Oscar Garcia Rivera
1900—1969
Oscar Garcia Rivera moved from Puerto Rico to New York to fight for the rights of poor people. He organized unions and was elected to the New York State Assembly. Find out more about the life of Oscar Garcia Rivera.
Shirley Chisholm
1924—2005
Shirley Chisholm was the first African-American woman to be elected to Congress. She fought for the rights of women and the poor, and ran for President in 1972. Learn about the life and achievements of Shirley Chisholm.
Daniel Patrick Moynihan
1927—2003
Daniel Patrick Moynihan served New York as Senator for over 20 years. He was also Ambassador to India and a presidential advisor to Presidents Kennedy and Nixon.
Ruth Bader Ginsburg
1933—
Ruth Bader Ginsburg was one of the first female law professors in the country before becoming the second woman to serve on the Supreme Court in 1993. Learn more about the achievements of Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
Tania León
1943—
Tania León moved to New York from Cuba and became one of the first female symphony orchestra conductors. She also writes music and has received many awards for her talent. Read a biography about Tania León.
Lois Gibbs
1951—
Lois Gibbs began her fight to clean up Love Canal in 1976. Her work led to the creation of the Superfund. Superfund is a national organization, whose goal is to clean up pollution sites across the United States. Read a brief biography about Lois Gibbs.
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