Meta Riseman

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Overview

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Meta Riseman (née Rosenberg) born Düsseldorf, Germany June 6, 1904 (d. 1994). American peace activist; Latin teacher. 66-year member of WILPF, 1928-94; President, Detroit Chapter, 1941; Michigan Chapter, 1943. As WILPF National President, opposed all atomic tests, 1955-57. Chaired national committee on human rights. Ran for Congress as Socialist, 1948. Protested Red-baiting.

Quotations

On accusations of communism: “With these threats leveled at her mind, at the minds of her children and friends, as well as at her husband’s job—the very economic foundation of her existence—Mrs. Everybody will begin to ask herself: 'How will I be able to keep the home secure in the face of these serious threats to my way of life?’” (Nov. 1951, Kathleen Endres, “Women’s Periodicals”, p. 270; 1963 photo Swarthmore Peace Collection #D2)