Roberta Achtenberg (born July 20, 1950) is an American attorney and civil rights advocate who has made significant contributions to the field of civil rights in the United States. She is widely recognized for her work as a commissioner on the United States Commission on Civil Rights and as the first openly lesbian or gay public official in the country to have her appointment to a federal position confirmed by the United States Senate.
Achtenberg’s journey towards becoming a prominent civil rights advocate began with her upbringing in a diverse and immigrant family. Her father, who was Jewish, immigrated to the United States from the Soviet Union, while her mother hailed from Quebec. Growing up in California, Achtenberg’s parents ran a grocery store, and she was raised alongside her three siblings. This humble background, coupled with her parents’ minimal formal education, instilled in her a deep appreciation for the value of equal rights and opportunities for all.
After graduating from Morningside High School in Inglewood, California, Achtenberg pursued her higher education at the University of California, Los Angeles. She later transferred to the University of California, Berkeley, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history in 1972. During her time at Berkeley, Achtenberg’s academic achievements were recognized with her induction into the prestigious Phi Beta Kappa honor society. It was also during her time at Berkeley that she met her ex-husband David Chavkin, and the two embarked on their respective legal careers together.
Achtenberg’s thirst for knowledge and passion for justice led her to pursue a law degree. She initially attended the University of California, Hastings College of the Law, before ultimately receiving her Juris Doctor from the University of Utah in 1975. Armed with her legal education, Achtenberg embarked on a career that would see her fighting for the rights of marginalized communities and advocating for social justice.
Before entering the world of politics, Achtenberg dedicated over 15 years to her work as a civil rights attorney. Her legal career was marked by her tireless efforts to combat discrimination and promote equality. Achtenberg’s impact as an attorney was evident in her work with various organizations, where she sought to dismantle systemic barriers and address issues of housing discrimination, employment equality, and access to healthcare.
In 1993, Achtenberg’s career took a historic turn when she was appointed as the assistant secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) under President Bill Clinton’s administration. This appointment made her the first openly lesbian or gay public official in the United States whose confirmation by the Senate was successful. The confirmation hearing garnered significant attention, with both support and opposition, as it challenged societal norms and paved the way for greater LGBTQ+ representation in government.
During her tenure at HUD, Achtenberg made significant strides in promoting fair housing practices and advocating for equal rights. She played a crucial role in implementing policies that protected against discrimination based on race, gender, sexual orientation, and disability. Through her work at HUD, she successfully championed initiatives to increase access to affordable housing and improve living conditions for marginalized communities.
Achtenberg’s commitment to civil rights extended beyond her government service. She has been involved with numerous organizations aimed at advancing social justice and equal rights for all. Her dedication to creating positive change has earned her recognition and awards at both the local and national levels. Achtenberg’s contributions to the field of civil rights have been invaluable, and she continues to inspire future generations of activists and advocates.
In conclusion, Roberta Achtenberg is an accomplished attorney and civil rights advocate whose dedication to equality and justice has had a profound impact on society. Her groundbreaking achievements as the first openly lesbian or gay public official to be confirmed by the Senate serve as a testament to her resilience and commitment to fighting for the rights of marginalized communities. Through her work in government and as a civil rights attorney, Achtenberg has left an indelible mark on women’s history and the ongoing struggle for equality.