#35: Helen Keller

Helen Keller, celebrated today as an icon of resilience and advocacy, faced significant opposition and rejection in her early years as a pioneering deaf-blind woman. Her radical ideas and unwavering commitment to social justice made her a controversial figure in the early 20th century. Keller was an advocate for women’s suffrage, pacifism, and workers’ rights, beliefs that challenged the conservative norms of her time.

Her outspokenness and association with socialist movements often led to her being shunned by mainstream society. Nevertheless, Keller remained steadfast in her convictions, believing that the deaf-blind could overcome their limitations and contribute meaningfully to society. As she grew older, her ideas gained greater acceptance, and she became a respected figure in American culture.