Our Inspiration
Daughter of sharecroppers and granddaughter of people who were enslaved, Josephine Butler (1920-1997) was one of innercity Washington’s most respected community leaders, who helped shape nearly every major social change initiative in Washington since the 1930’s. She started America’s first-ever union of black women laundry workers, she helped lead the integration of the Adams and Morgan Schools, she educated thousands of children about the hazards of air pollution a generation before the environmental movement began, she was a lifelong leader in pressing for health care reform, and she co-founded the statehood movement for the District of Columbia. She became a champion of park revitalization to give our communities a place to come together, our children a safe outdoor place to learn about the world, and our city a place to champion true home rule for the lands we call home. Led by Ms. Butler at the time of her death, Washington Parks & People named the historic building at 2437 15th Street, NW, after her — in the heart of the community in which she lived and worked for 63 years.
The Josephine Butler Parks Center is a living tribute to her lifetime of loving, inspired leadership. A few Jo Butler sayings that continue to inspire our work:
- A Rock, A River, A Tree — A Park for All People
- It’s a huge task– that’s why we have to get started.
- Leave no child behind.
- Remember the earthworm.