REPORTER
A publication of National Organization
for Women - New York State, Inc.
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Remembering Geraldine Miller - Chair, NOW-NYS
Women of Color Task Force
by Marcia A. Pappas, President of NOW-NYS
 Geraldine Miller will be dearly missed by
everyone in New York and beyond. She died quietly in her home on March 28, 2005 only a few days before the April 1-3, 2005 National NOW Women of Color and Allies Summit in Arlington activist, she also founded Bronx, NY NOW and the Household Technicians Union to ensure equal rights for women working mainly as maids, nannies and cooks. Geraldine will be remembered for her tenacity and determination in achieving equality for women of color.
Just one week before her death Gerry sent a message for us all. She was very weak at the time of message, but she wanted to leave us with these particular words:
"For young women of color, I know we've got a lot of digging to do, and a lot of coming up with things. And I just hope we can make things come together for the young ones, like it has done for us. I'm not saying it's come together perfectly for us, because it hasn't. But it’s a start.
"They have been calling me this whole week, wanting to know what I thought and what I felt. So I'd like to let them know what I think of them. I think they are all splendid! And I like this way we’ve had of communicating in the evenings and in the mornings. And we've had some good thoughts...that's wonderful! That's the type of friendship we should have always had. Once they came to their senses and realized I wasn't out to hurt anyone, all was well.
"I dream of a world. I really dream a world. And there are many people out there who also dream a world. They'd like to see something good happen, not this mediocrity. We've got to make it happen. So I'd like to see this Conference be something spectacular. I'd like to see it bring us together more. That's what I'd really like to see. And I'd like to say goodbye."
Geraldine Miller will be forever remembered by her sisters in New York. We will miss her for sure, at every conference, every summit, and every meeting. Keep on keepin’ on Gerry, and help us all along, wherever you are!
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