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The main sanctuary of Shiloh Baptist Church in Northwest D.C. was filled with freedom fighters on Saturday, April 13, as they paid their final respects to Dorie Ladner, a “warrior” for social justice, who died March 11 at the age of 81. 

The Rev. Kevin Lamar Peterman, associate minister at Shiloh said “When the history books are written, the story will not be complete without the story of Dorie Ladner.”

While Ladner was a passionate intellectual from Hattiesburg, Mississippi, when her people needed her, she left college and became a ferocious activist during the bloodiest days of the civil rights movement. 

Last Saturday’s service was a chance for close comrades and family to share their sentiments of the late activist. 

Former D.C. Councilmember Frank Smith, a civil rights veteran, was the moderator of the service that included speeches from civil rights veterans like Chuck Hicks to performances by the “Freedom Singers.”

 From “Oh Freedom” to “Precious Lord,” the movement’s music filled Shiloh last Saturday. There were even “Freedom Songs,” performed by those who learned the lyrics to confront the hate so long ago. In addition, soloist Daniel Thornton sang the Negro Spiritual, “Lord I Don’ Done.” 

 A Lifelong Protector, ‘Soulmates That Lasted a Lifetime‘

The late activist’s family shared about a woman who put her life on the line for her people. 

Ladner’s brother, Fred Perryman, said, “We are here to celebrate the life and legacy of a woman who knew a lot of people.” 

Her sister Joyce Ladner said, “She and I became soulmates that lasted a lifetime.” 

“When my sister died, part of my soul went with her,” Joyce Ladner said. “Mother dressed us like twins… She told us to always stick together.”

The younger sister skipped first grade to be with her sister, who she affectionately called “Dot.”

“It was as if the whole world wore a gigantic smile. I was so happy. All I could think of was the pleasure, the privilege of going to school with Dot and learning to read from real school books.”

Before the late Ladner started her freedom fight, she stood up for her sister. 

“When bullies tried to attack me, Dorie stepped in and fought my battles for me. This role of protector would be one that Dot would take on throughout much of my life. She did the same for our younger brothers and sisters – Fred, Willa, Billie Ruth, Tommy, Archie, and Hazel.”

Growing up, the fallen freedom fighter took on the role as the responsible caregiver for her siblings.

“At home, Dot babysat the little ones while I helped Mother cook and clean the house. Dorie never learned to cook very well because it didn’t interest her. She wanted to be a civil rights lawyer,” her sister, who was more like her twin, recalled.

The Black press and works by African American authors played a major role in their development as civil rights leaders.

“Upon discovering how interested Dot and I were in civil rights work, Dr. McLeod brought us Jet, Ebony, the Pittsburgh Courier, and the Chicago Defender. She gave us books by W.E.B. DuBois, Shirley Graham, and Richard Wright. Mrs. Jackson, our school librarian, gave us books, too,” she said. “She was a tremendous reader.” 

Joining the Movement

A fellow freedom fighter, her sister also explained what catapulted them into the movement. 

“The turning point was in 1955 with the lynching of Emmitt Till,” she said. “Dot grew to be the Jackie Robinson of her time.” 

According to her obituary, Dorie became involved with the Freedom Riders in Jackson, Mississippi, and sat in at the Woolworth’s lunch counter in a nonviolent protest. Later, she would join Bob Moses and other members of the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE) and Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) to register Black voters and help eradicate voter suppression and racist voter registration practices. 

Her activism led to many pivotal moments and experiences, from being expelled from Jackson State University for participating in the Civil Rights Movement to a role with SNCC and canvassing for voting rights. After her time in the movement, the late Ladner pursued higher education at Tougaloo College, earning a B.A. in history. She then earned a master’s degree in social work from Howard University. 

The history-maker dedicated her career to social work at D.C. General Hospital, St. Elizabeth’s, and the D.C. Department of Mental Health. She viewed that work as a continuation of the service she began as an activist. The civil rights leader continued to pursue social justice through conferences, panels, speaking to students, and as a radio commentator on WPFW-FM. 

Her work on the ground and in the community took many forms, with learning and the plight of the people always at the center. She once said, “The movement was something I wanted to do. It was pulling at me, pulling at me, so I followed my conscience.” 

A Daughter’s Sentiments, A Sister’s Declaration: ‘Dot Was Brilliant‘

The activist’s daughter Yodit Churnet reflected on her mother’s love and strength  

“My mother always told me that I was a good girl. She was a powerful woman. She supported me all my life,” she said in a printed statement on the program. “She cared about truth and justice. She was brilliant and practical. She was a great proponent of education as a means to success. She had a kind heart and gave to individuals in need and charity consistently.”

She also recalled growing up in the movement.

“A foundational element of my childhood that was consistent for my mom and my dad was going to political meetings. I grew up in political meetings, even attending demonstrations for justice. I was pretty old when I learned that everyone didn’t grow up like that,” she said.

Churnet also shared her mother’s values.

“Material things were never on my mom’s priority list. She cared about family, justice, and loyalty. I am proud of her work. She is a guiding light to me and my son Seyoum. I will always love her.” 

Joyce Ladner said that her sister was cremated, and at her request, her ashes will be taken back to Mississippi and scattered in the Gulf of Mexico on her birthday in June.

“Dot was brilliant,” her sister, who fought alongside her in the movement, declared.