Born: 1942 (Chicago, Illinois)
Biography:
Lynette Long is an American former university professor, math education expert, and feminist who has made significant contributions to women’s history. Born on November 27, 1942, in Chicago, Illinois, Long’s passion for education and gender equality has been the driving force behind her influential work.
In 1969, Long graduated from the University of Illinois with a Bachelor of Science in Zoology and Chemistry. She went on to pursue further studies, acquiring a master’s degree in Mathematics and a PhD in educational and counseling psychology. Armed with her academic credentials, Long embarked on a career dedicated to addressing educational disparities and advocating for women’s rights.
One of Long’s notable accomplishments was her research on the math achievement of young girls. As a math education expert, she recognized the importance of empowering girls in mathematics and debunking stereotypes that hindered their progress. Through her publications in trade and professional journals, Long shed light on the challenges faced by young girls in math education and offered strategies to overcome them.
Long’s influence extended beyond academia. Alongside her husband Thomas Long, she coined the phrase latchkey children, which refers to children who return home from school to an empty house. Recognizing the need to support both children and their working parents, Long and her husband wrote the seminal book Handbook for Latchkey Children and Their Working Parents. This work provided valuable guidance to families navigating the challenges of raising independent children.
Additionally, Long has made significant contributions to the feminist movement in the United States. She is the president and founder of the not-for-profit organization Equal Visibility Everywhere (EVE). Through EVE, Long has focused on researching the under-representation of women on various national symbols and icons, including currency, stamps, statues, and Google Doodles. She highlighted the absence of women on U.S. paper currency, prompting the Treasury Department to commit to featuring women on future denominations.
Long’s research also drew attention to the lack of female representation in National Statuary Hall at the United States Capitol. Her efforts led to the authorization of a statue of pioneering aviator Amelia Earhart, increasing the number of female statues in this prestigious space. Long’s work has inspired the commissioning of more statues honoring women throughout the country.
Furthermore, Long has taken on the task of increasing the number of Florida State Historical Markers honoring women. Recognizing the existing gender imbalance in historical markers, she successfully applied for and secured funding for markers honoring influential women such as Miami Beach preservationist Barbara Baer Capitman, author Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings, aviator Amelia Earhart, doctor Eleanor Galt Simmons, and Seminole Chief Betty Mae Tiger Jumper. Her efforts have brought greater visibility to the achievements and contributions of women in Florida’s history.
As a passionate advocate for women’s representation, Long frequently delivers public speeches to raise awareness about the psychological impact of the lack of symbolic representation of women on women and girls. Through her research and activism, she continues to inspire change and foster a more inclusive society.