At the age of 90, Julia Hill has stepped down as an executive board member of the Kansas City branch of the NAACP.
Hill dedicated over 60 years to civil rights issues. She served as her local NAACP branch’s president from 1971-1980, according to The Kansas City Star.
“Kansas City is a better place because Dr. Hill was willing to fight the dragons of racial exclusion,” U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver said. “With her stepping down, some young person should borrow her sword.”
Hill began her career as an elementary school teacher in the late 1950s. Hill then helped form the Community Committee for Social Action, CCSA, in which she was chosen as vice president.
In charge of picketing, Hill organized boycotts and demonstrations around Kansas City during the civil rights movement.
In 1971, Hill became Kansas City’s first female NAACP president, and was elected to the Kansas City Board of Education in 1984.
Making an incredible impact on so many people’s lives, Hill is proud of all she’s done to improve her community.
“I think I have accomplished my mission on this earth,” she said. “I just hope now that the man up above agrees with me.”
Follow Carrie Healey on Twitter @CarrieHeals.