HELEN KELLER DAY

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Context

• Helen Keller Day is a commemorative day to celebrate the birth of Helen Keller, observed on June 27 annually. 

About Helen Keller

• Helen Adams Keller was an American author, disability rights advocate, political activist, and lecturer.

Life of Hellen Keller

• Born in West Tuscumbia, Alabama, she lost her sight and her hearing after a bout of illness when she was 19 months old.
• She then communicated primarily using home signs until the age of seven, when she met her first teacher and life-long companion Anne Sullivan.
• Sullivan taught Keller language, including reading and writing.
• After an education at both specialist and mainstream schools, Keller attended Radcliffe College of Harvard University and became the first deafblind person in the United States to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree.

Contribution

"American Foundation for the Blind"

• She became a prolific writer, published numerous books, founded the "American Foundation for the Blind," and served as an advocate for people with disabilities.

American Civil Liberties Union

• Throughout the 1910s, Keller gave speeches all over the United States advocating socialism, suffrage, and disability rights, and later in 1920 co-founded the American Civil Liberties Union.
• Over the next few years, Keller continued her advocacy work, donating to strikers at Christmastime in 1921 and meeting with the President on behalf of the blind in 1926.

Birth Control

• Helen wanted to promote birth control. At her time this was a highly debated topic, with both men and women thinking that it would simply be a murder of children and 'unnatural'.
• Helen saw the positive sides of birth control and was a spokesperson for the right to choose when to have children and if women wanted them.

Advocate of Socialism

• She was a member of the United States socialist party and fully supported the running candidate. To support her beliefs of socialism, Helen went to companies and spoke to some of the workers about the injustices happening.
• She felt touched at how these people had no choice but to work in horrendous conditions for horribly long shifts because otherwise, they could not feed their families. Her party never won, but she fought and spoke out for what she believed in. This is one of the great leadership qualities that this woman had.

Peace

• Helen Keller was also a great believer in peace. Preaching peace was another thing Helen did while she was abroad.

Fight for rights and social equality

• Keller dedicated her life to advocating for people with disabilities, fighting for their rights, and promoting social equality.

Autobiography

• Keller's autobiography, The Story of My Life (1903), publicized her education and life with Sullivan.

Why Celebrate Helen Keller Day

• Helen Keller Day is an opportunity to honor a remarkable woman who defied all odds and inspired generations with her courage and resilience.
• By celebrating this day, we pay tribute to her extraordinary achievements and recognize the importance of inclusivity, accessibility, and equal opportunities for all individuals, regardless of their abilities.
• Helen Keller’s legacy serves as a powerful reminder that with perseverance, dedication, and compassion, we can make a positive difference in the world.

Theme for Helen Keller Day 2023

• The theme for Helen Keller Day 2023 is “Empowering Lives Through Perseverance.”
• This theme embodies Helen Keller’s unwavering determination and serves as a reminder to overcome challenges, believe in oneself, and inspire others to achieve their fullest potential.
• It encourages us to celebrate the human spirit and acknowledge the triumphs of those who face adversity.

Conclusion

• Helen Keller Day 2023 is an opportunity to reflect on the remarkable journey of a woman who defied all odds and made a lasting impact on the world.
• By celebrating her life and work, we honor the indomitable human spirit and strive.
• To create a more inclusive and compassionate society. Let us remember Helen Keller’s legacy, be inspired by her words, and take action to empower lives through perseverance.

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