• By Carolyn Woods
  • Posted Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Elaine Riddick, Eugenics Project Survivor, Speaks for Black History Month

Elaine Riddick experienced the Eugenics Project in North Carolina first hand. Come hear what this survivor and activist has to say about her compelling story.

Elaine Riddick was just 14-years old in 1968 when she was forcibly sterilized by the Eugenics Board of the State of North Carolina, who labeled her as “feebleminded” and “promiscuous.” From 1927 through the early 1970’s forced sterilization of certain individuals passed as social policy in North Carolina.

Now Ms. Riddick tells her incredible story of despair and tragedy as a eugenics victim during one of the darkest chapters of our state’s history.

In March 2003, Ms. Riddick and another victim of the Eugenics project spoke out against the atrocities committed to them by the Eugenics Study Committee. As she said, "When you're a little girl, what do you want? You want to be a mommy. To find out that's been taken away from you is devastating." Ms. Riddick has worked tirelessly in bringing awareness to this project since 1970 and continues to do so through speaking engagements and television appearances.

Friday, February 3rd @ noon
Central Library Auditorium

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