Alabama's Helen Keller named among America's greatest mentors

GCM Staff Report
Posted 11/27/24

In a nationwide poll celebrating historical figures whose legacies of mentorship have shaped the nation, Alabama's Helen Keller was named America's second-greatest mentor.

Conducted by …

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Alabama's Helen Keller named among America's greatest mentors

Posted

In a nationwide poll celebrating historical figures whose legacies of mentorship have shaped the nation, Alabama's Helen Keller was named America's second-greatest mentor.

Conducted by Paperbell.com, a coaching software company, the survey asked 3,000 participants to select individuals who embody the spirit of mentorship, education and leadership.

Keller, a native of Tuscumbia, is renowned for overcoming deafness and blindness to become an author, lecturer and advocate for people with disabilities. Her story of triumph over adversity has inspired millions, but her enduring influence lies in her mentorship through education and advocacy, empowering generations to push beyond limitations and embrace possibility.

Martin Luther King Jr., the civil rights leader from Georgia, topped the list. His teachings on nonviolence, equality, and justice have been guiding principles for activists and educators worldwide. Other figures in the top 10 included pioneering aviator Amelia Earhart of Kansas, agricultural scientist George Washington Carver of Missouri and women's rights leader Susan B. Anthony of New York.

The complete top 10 list is as follows:

  1. Martin Luther King Jr. (Georgia)
  2. Helen Keller (Alabama)
  3. Amelia Earhart (Kansas)
  4. John Adams (Massachusetts)
  5. George Washington Carver (Missouri)
  6. Thomas Jefferson (Virginia)
  7. Benjamin Franklin (Pennsylvania)
  8. Susan B. Anthony (New York)
  9. Frederick Douglass (New York)
  10. Harriet Tubman (Maryland)

The poll highlights a diverse array of mentors whose impact transcended their lifetimes. Respondents recognized these individuals for their ability to educate, inspire, and lead. From Harriet Tubman's guidance of freedom seekers along the Underground Railroad to Benjamin Franklin's contributions to science and civic engagement, the list underscores the enduring power of mentorship in shaping society.

Keller's placement on the list reflects her profound legacy in Alabama and beyond. Her advocacy not only improved conditions for people with disabilities but also emphasized the importance of education as a tool for empowerment.