| Summary |
This thesis examines the life of Johnetta Webb Spilman, especially her New Deal career. Spilman devoted her life to Democratic politics. Her New Deal career revealed the opportunities available to women in North Carolina as a result of legislation passed to offer relief from the Great Depression. The federal government created numerous agencies to address the problems of the Great Depression. These agencies had federal, state, and local branches. A need for leaders on all levels developed as a result. Women filled many of these positions, especially on the local and state level. Through her work in the Democratic party, Johnetta Spilman served as one example of a woman who advanced her career through the New Deal. Born in Chowan County, North Carolina, Johnetta Webb Spilman received an above average education. Her stepfather also introduced her to the world of politics. She moved to Greenville, North Carolina in the early 1910s to teach school. She met and married John Spilman an employee of East Carolina Teacher's College. Johnetta Spilman also worked for the college, but she actively participated in Democratic Party politics. She became the first woman to run for state senate in Pitt County, and worked for several New Deal agencies on the local level prior to 1936. After her husband's death in 1935, Johnetta Spilman moved to Raleigh where she served the state Democratic party as Vice Chairman in 1936. She then received a position on the Employment Compensation Commission where she served for many years. Throughout her career, Spilman attempted to encourage women to participate in politics. She furthered the position of women in the state by accentuating her feminine qualities rather than pressing for equal rights. Through her actions, men and women in the state began to view politically active women in a positive light. |
