Political pioneer Juanita Goggins never gained the national notoriety of her contemporaries Shirley Chisholm or Barbara Jordan.
In her own corner of the country, though, Goggins, who in 1974 became the first black woman elected to the South Carolina Legislature, became an idol for black women who sought to excel in the male-dominated world of politics.
The 30 years that passed from her greatest electoral success, however, were not kind. Goggins lived a solitary life just a few miles from the Statehouse, where she made history - far removed from her past glory.
Goggins was found frozen to death at the age of 75 in her home on March 3rd, leaving behind questions for neighbors and relatives who wondered how they could have done more to assist the recluse in her declining years.
A local television station reported her electricity had been cut off three days earlier. She was found with several layers of clothing on her body. Neighbors reported that Goggins rejected all assistance. Her son, Horace Goggins (pictured below), 42, said he last saw his mother about six months ago and she would not let him help.
The sad circumstances surrounding Goggins passing fall in stark contrast to the early years of her life that were marked with a series of "firsts."
The youngest of 10 children, Goggins was the first in her family to get a four-year college degree; the first black woman to represent South Carolina as a delegate to the Democratic National Convention; and the first black woman appointed to the U.S. Civil Rights Commission.
This is a real shame for those of us who survive her: The lessons Goggins could teach this generation on how to achieve political success, despite the overwhelming challenges of both racism and sexism, died with her.
Their would be no Maxine Waters or Barbara Lees if it weren't for trailblazing women like Goggins.
Her passing is a loss for us all.
Comments: (56)
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By: Nobodycares on 3/11/2010 4:12PM
This is a total shame. I am so very sad to find out this courageous woman died and NOBODY was there for her.
Nobody gives a damn anymore. Too caught up in reality TV, celebrities business and spending their hard earned money in the Asian stores. Trying to look good on the outside while the inside is rotten to the core.
If anyone is offended by my statement you're the one I am referring to.
Juanita Goggins worked for women rights and lived in SC one of the most racist states in the US as a representative.
Who was there to help her near the end of her life? Forget that s**h about she refused help. Pay the utility bill anyway!!!!
She did not have to die this way. This was preventable.
Everyone that knew her failed her in the end.
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By: E on 3/11/2010 4:43PM
I agree. If my mom is sitting without electricity or gas. Guess what? I'm paying it wether she likes it or not. What's she going to do, move out? What the hell is up with her son not checking in on her in six months?? GTFOOH!
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By: AM Hood-As, Bs, MSW, on 3/14/2010 6:13PM
You are absolutely right. Sorry for any offense but, "pay the electric bill" or take her into your home. If she refuses any of those offers for help contact the authorities to make sure she gets help. Pride can kill, but we can help even if we force help. the mentally ill are forced with help when they can't see the need for help. They are committed. It is sad and a shame and did not have to happen. I lost my marriage, part of my future, to go back home to care for my mother dying of cancer. But, then he was not worth a piece of S### anyways, since he cared more for his own needs than those of a dying woman, my mother- good riddance to bad rubbish (speaking of my X). There is nothing I would not do for the woman that brought me into the world. I wish the best for her family. Also, on the money, no one cares anymore, too into self, money and other sort of vanity things that chaff in the wind. However, life can not be given back but, the vain things in life can be replaced. It's a terrible loss to America. Additionally, there should be especially in GA services available to he elderly for situations such as this one. where is the Govt. for the poor and the elderly. The Census sent out letters to tell us we would receive a letter in the mail for the Census report, Now that is a real waste of money that could have better been used to support programs to help the elderly in situations like this one. God Bless America!!!!!
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By: sheryl on 3/12/2010 5:40PM
I WHOLE HEARTEDLY agree!! And to those who are offended...if you can't say Amen, say OUCH!!
To E: yes that bill WOULD get paid, OK? I wouldn't ask either, I would go down, talk to whoever I needed to talk to, and make a payment w/out question!
Older people ,granted, are stubborn and some of them will refuse help over and over...BUT that doesn't mean you don't help...that means you find other ways to help...in other words, I would rather ask for forgiveness than permission. When you ask permission, you may get a negative answer....so just do it.
Her son will regret this for the rest of his life...this will forever haunt him. He needs to make peace w/ God and quickly.
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By: lacam31 on 3/12/2010 6:10PM
I AM SO SADDEN TO HEAR THIS TYPE OF HORROR AMONG US TODAY.THIS GENERATION OF YOUNG PEOPLE HAVE NO HEART WHEN IT COME TO THE ELDERLY.i AM ABOUT FIFTEEN DAYS FROM BEING SIXTY.MY MOM IS EIGHTY-SIX BLESS HER.AND SHE IS BLESSED AND SO AM I.MY SIBLINGS AND I WOULD NEVER LET THIS HAPPEN TO OUR MOM.THAT IS AN DISGRACE TOO THE FAMILY AND NEIGHBORS ALSO.WHERE ARE WE IN THIS WORLD TODAY.GOD HELP US.I DON'T WANT TO JUDGE. BUT.WE AS A PEOPIE HAVE TOO START LOVING ONE ANOTHER AGAIN.THIS REALLY HURT.
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By: TraceyJoy76 on 3/13/2010 12:51AM
what a heart breaking story. Tragic end to such a powerful lady. What hurts me more is that people knew she was suffering and had the means to help and did nothing. My mother would have refused helped too, however I knew to got to the electric or gas company and pay the bill myself, as she would have given me my money back. I'm not trying to say anyone was wrong in their actions, they did what they thought was right. When our elders (or anyone) need help, give it, if you have the means to do so, don't ask them. Sometimes people feel shame. I think they are from that generation who didn't ask for anything they made do without or figure another way. Bless her heart. She is no longer suffering.
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By: msplachapelle on 3/11/2010 4:32PM
Not to put blame on anyone because all we know is what we are told - but if my mother were in some kind of hardship (and my mom is the most independent, don't want or need your help, I can do it on my own, and no your money is not welcome here kind of woman)I would have to force that help upon her. That's just the way it has to be. She may not have wanted the help, but she needed it!! If ever I get to that place where she found herself, I pray that there are people with enough selflessness in them to just do whats right regardless of how I may feel.
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By: paul on 3/11/2010 5:07PM
What a shame. The same staunch stubbornness that made her break down barriers in her career is what ended up taking her life.
My grandmother always said that when people get older they're still themselves, only more so. Personality traits, for better or worse, become exaggerated.
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By: Kenya on 3/12/2010 10:50AM
You dont klnow the Elderly generation, she came through a time where it was shameful to begg for help. It's sad that her son went six months without checking on her. when u know someone like that just go pay their bills, that was his Mom. they trust God, you have to use Wisdom, and just leave it for them without them klnowing.
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By: OOOZZZZZ on 3/11/2010 6:24PM
Quote by Paul: "What a shame. The same staunch stubbornness that made her break down barriers in her career is what ended up taking her life.
My grandmother always said that when people get older they're still themselves, only more so. Personality traits, for better or worse, become exaggerated."
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I have to agree.
Yes this is a shame and many people asked "how and why could/would people let this happen?
I have two aunts, they are sisters, ages 86 & 81 respectively, from South Carolina and I love them to death along with everybody in our family and the community BUT THEY ARE BOTH A HOT MESS: STUBBON, WON'T LISTEN TO ANYBODY, CONTROLLING, KNOWS EVERYTHING, WILL COMPLETELY RUN YOUR LIFE (if you let them) AND JUST PLAIN OLE' MEAN.
And in my aunts case (and with Mrs. Goggins), they lived all alone with husbands who passed away years earlier.
I can hear it now: "Boy, you don't tell me what to do, I raised you and how dare you........."
I am not talking about Althimizers or some other mental condition. If they want your help, they will ask but please don't tell them what to do or how to do ANYTHING, no matter how nice & well-intentioned you are. You probably will get your feelings hurt and as usual, you let it roll off your back, go in & and try again.
So, despite how tragic this is, I understand how her son, other family members and probably many others, with total love in their hearts and extreme worry at the same time, tried again and again and again to assist/help her but she was having none of it.
Historically, Black women way, way back in the day were really hardened, strong and had to be that "drill sargeant" strong to endure all the cultural & racist b.s., all year round, share cropping (farming) all year long, stay at home mom, raising large families (doing everything with no help) and totally and completely being in charge.
So when you consider all that she had to endure throughout her younger life, her young adult life as well as her professional political life, living in the pre-Civil Rights era and through the post Civil Rights era, strong mental conditioning & toughness has been deeply burned into her and as many senior African Americans go, when the going gets tough, they hunker down and march on......even. sometimes, at the expense of their own health and other needs
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