Civil Rights Advocacy:
1. Challenging Racial Segregation: Harvard was a prominent civil rights activist who fought against racial segregation and discrimination throughout her career. She believed that all individuals should have equal opportunities regardless of their race or background.
2. National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP): Harvard was actively involved with the NAACP, serving as the regional director of the St. Louis chapter from 1945 to 1957. She organized and participated in numerous campaigns to advance civil rights, including desegregation efforts in education, housing, and employment.
3. Legal Strategy: Harvard worked closely with Thurgood Marshall, a renowned civil rights lawyer and later the first African American Supreme Court justice. She contributed to the legal strategy and preparation for landmark cases, including Brown v. Board of Education, which challenged the constitutionality of racial segregation in public schools.
Public Service and Governance:
1. United Nations: Harvard served as the United States representative to the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) during the 1960s. She addressed global issues such as human rights, economic development, and the empowerment of women.
2. Commission on Human Relations: Harvard was the first Black woman to serve as a commissioner for the St. Louis Commission on Human Relations. In this role, she worked to promote racial equality and social justice within the city.
3. Advisory Roles: She served on various advisory committees and boards, including the Advisory Committee on Equal Opportunity in Housing under the Lyndon B. Johnson administration. Her expertise and recommendations contributed to policies aimed at addressing fair housing practices.
Education and Academia:
1. Higher Education Leadership: Harvard held key positions in education. She was the first female and the first African American president of Miner Teachers College (now part of the University of the District of Columbia). During her tenure, she transformed the institution and championed access to education for underserved communities.
2. Advocate for Social Justice: Throughout her career, Harvard emphasized the importance of social justice and civic engagement. She encouraged students and educators to use their knowledge to address societal inequalities.
3. Scholarship: Harvard was also a scholar who authored books, articles, and lectured on topics related to race, gender, and social change. Her intellectual contributions helped shape discourse on these issues.
Beverly Harvard's dedication to civil rights, her leadership in public service, and her commitment to education continue to inspire future generations and underscore the significance of her work in advancing social justice and equality.