Gloria Hayes Richardson

In honor of Black History Month, every school day The Cardinal will feature a prominent and/or historical Black American, living or dead, who has worked toward change, advancement, and/or world peace. Some of them are heroes, and some are unsung heroes, who deserve recognition, and have made a contributions to make society a better place.

February 8, 2024

Gloria Hayes Richardson was born on May 6, 1922 in Baltimore, Maryland. During the Great Depression her family moved to Cambridge, Maryland. Her grandfather owned many properties. He was also the sole African American member of the Cambridge City Council. At the age of 16, she attended Howard University in Washington earning a degree in sociology in 1942. After Howard, she worked as a civil servant for the federal government in World War II. After the war she returned to Cambridge, and became a social worker but was only able to serve black clients.She was the first woman in the country to lead a grassroots Civil Rights organization outside of the deep south.

Richardson participated in the Freedom Rides, the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, and in 1962, she organized and led the Cambridge Movement in Maryland. This Movement aimed to combat racial inequality in Cambridge, Maryland. She was a fearless and outspoken advocate for change. Throughout her life, she continued to fight for justice and equality. She worked with various civil rights organizations and dedicated herself to empowering communities. Her bravery and determination continued to inspire future generations to stand up against injustice. The Movement was settled with the Treaty of Cambridge in July 1963. Richardson’s daughter continued the work of her mother by advocating for equality and using her voice to bring attention to important issues. Gloria Hayes Richardson died on July 15, 2021.

About the Contributor

Sarai Mendoza, Staff Writer

Sarai Mendoza is a 15 year old sophomore at Hoover High School. She was born on November 21 and raised in San Diego California. Sarai grew up in a loving family with her mother and four siblings. Growing up she was always spoiled for being the youngest. As a child, her mother always encouraged her to value her education and take advantage of all the great opportunities. Not only that but to also become more independent as she grew up. Her biggest inspiration in life has to be her mom, who was born and raised in Mexico City. She came to the United States about 20 years ago in hope for a better life. Although she was a single mother, she worked hard to always give her five children a better life . No matter how bad things got, her mother always motivated her to be a better person. Sarai would do anything to continue to make her proud Her top three favorite places to eat have to be In-n-Out, Wingstop, and Olive Garden. She loves to write. Her favorite school subject is English. Don't ever ask her for help in math because she won’t understand a thing. Sarai is very shy at first but once you get to know her and help her step out her comfort zone, she becomes this funny and out-going person. As she grew up she realized she wanted to become a medical assistant. She hopes to get into a good college, and will continue to work hard to do so. She believes that if she continues to encourage others to continue to reach their goals and never give up on their dreams, it can make a huge difference on other people.