The Little Russian: Susan Sherman, a Trailblazing Journalist and Activist

The Little Russian

by Susan Sherman

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	945 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	352 pages
Paperback	:	83 pages
Item Weight	:	7.8 ounces
Dimensions	:	8.5 x 0.2 x 8.5 inches

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Susan Sherman, known as "The Little Russian," was a pioneering journalist and activist who dedicated her life to fighting for social justice and equality.

Early Life and Education

Susan Sherman was born on August 23, 1915, in New York City. Her parents were Russian Jewish immigrants who had fled anti-Semitism and poverty in their homeland. From an early age, Sherman showed a keen interest in social justice and a passion for writing.

After graduating from high school, Sherman attended Hunter College in New York City, where she studied journalism. She was a star student and quickly became known for her incisive writing and strong commitment to social issues.

Journalistic Career

In the late 1930s, Sherman began her journalism career as a reporter for the Daily Worker, a newspaper associated with the Communist Party USA. While she was not a member of the Communist Party, Sherman shared its commitment to fighting fascism and promoting social equality.

During World War II, Sherman volunteered as a war correspondent for the American Red Cross. She traveled to war-torn Europe and reported on the devastating impact of the conflict on civilians. Her dispatches from the front lines were powerful and moving, and they helped to raise awareness of the human suffering caused by war.

After the war, Sherman continued to work as a journalist. She reported on a wide range of social issues, including poverty, discrimination, and labor rights. Her writing was sharp and incisive, and she was not afraid to challenge the status quo.

In 1950, Sherman became the founding editor of the National Guardian, a progressive newsweekly magazine. The National Guardian quickly gained a reputation for its independent reporting and its commitment to social justice. Under Sherman's leadership, the magazine published groundbreaking stories on civil rights, peace, and labor issues.

Sherman was a tireless advocate for social justice and equality. She used her journalism to expose injustice and to promote human rights. She was particularly passionate about supporting dissidents and human rights activists in the Soviet Union.

The Little Russian

Sherman's work in the Soviet Union earned her the nickname "The Little Russian." She was one of the few Western journalists who had access to dissidents and human rights activists in the Soviet Union. Her reports from the Soviet Union were invaluable in raising awareness of the plight of dissidents and in exposing the repressive nature of the Soviet regime.

Sherman's work in the Soviet Union was dangerous. She was often harassed and threatened by the KGB, the Soviet secret police. On one occasion, she was even arrested and detained for several days. But Sherman refused to be intimidated. She continued to report on the Soviet Union, and she became a symbol of hope and solidarity for dissidents and human rights activists.

Activism and Peace Movement

In addition to her journalism, Sherman was also a dedicated activist. She was a founding member of the War Resisters League, and she worked tirelessly to promote peace and disarmament. She was also a strong supporter of the civil rights movement and the feminist movement.

Sherman believed that peace and justice were indivisible. She argued that it was impossible to achieve true peace without addressing the underlying causes of war, such as poverty, inequality, and discrimination.

Sherman's work was recognized with numerous awards and honors. In 1983, she was awarded the Lenin Peace Prize, one of the highest honors awarded by the Soviet Union. However, she refused to accept the award, citing the Soviet Union's human rights record.

Legacy

Susan Sherman died on December 22, 2014, at the age of 99. She left behind a legacy of activism and journalism that continues to inspire people around the world.

Sherman was a pioneer in the field of investigative journalism. She used her reporting to expose injustice, to promote peace, and to defend human rights. Her work helped to change the world for the better, and she will be remembered as one of the most courageous and influential journalists of our time.

Sources

* The Guardian: Susan Sherman: 'The Little Russian' who gave a voice to Soviet dissidents * The New York Times: Susan Sherman, Crusading Journalist Who Covered Soviet Dissidents, Dies at 99 * The Washington Post: Susan Sherman, champion of Soviet dissidents, dies at 99

The Little Russian

by Susan Sherman

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	945 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	352 pages
Paperback	:	83 pages
Item Weight	:	7.8 ounces
Dimensions	:	8.5 x 0.2 x 8.5 inches

FREE