Friday, February 13th, 2009...6:35 pm
Alice Papcun
Alice Papcun, a long time activist both in the Democratic Party and for civil rights in general, has passed away.
Alice was tiny, at least physically. She definitely had an outsized presence in any room she was in. If you were on the wrong side of her (and if you were, you were wrong), watch out.
She and her husband were founders of the Arizona ACLU, and they both worked on equality issues long before it became fashionable even within the Democratic Party. Once, they came back from a demonstration to find a cross burning in their yard. I haven’t had the chance to talk to her for a while, but I’m sure she was proud to see the results of the efforts of early pioneers like her bear fruit in this election.
NB – After a call for digital photos of Alice, Ana Ma responded to the call and sent the one above. Kristine Rabago pointed out that there is an entry for Alice on the Women’s Plaza of Honor page. Thank you to all of you for your responses.
6 Comments
February 13th, 2009 at 8:24 pm
What a sad day! To lose both Steve Emerine and Alice Papcun on the same day is a tragedy for all of us who have enjoyed the political scene in Tucson for the last 40 years or so! They each eloquently contributed their special and unique points of view on many occasions. Alice, to me, was a connection to the days when women had just barely won the right to vote and when civil liberties were a radical thought. Steve could so clearly present a serious and thoughtful perspective on government matters and projects. Lower the flags in their honor!
February 13th, 2009 at 9:07 pm
Im so sad
She will be missed.
February 14th, 2009 at 1:40 pm
She was certainly a tough woman activist and really wanted to see the day we elect a woman to be President of the U.S. Rest in peace dear Alice, long time defender of our civil rights.
February 15th, 2009 at 8:02 am
Article on Alice in today’s Star with photo, on page B9 or online at:
http://www.azstarnet.com/sn/lifestories/280333
February 15th, 2009 at 5:13 pm
I became acquainted with Alice only late in her life. Her obituary in the Star was very revealing. Alice’s courage in exercising her convictions, must have been inspiring to many as it apparently was to Rep. Grijalva. Pat Poore told me today that Alice one had a cross burned on her lawn! Alice had enough vinegar left in her to take me to task for allowing her State Committee Member position (LD 27) to be lost. I could tell that crossing her was not an experience I would like to have often. She will be missed.
February 16th, 2009 at 5:54 pm
I first met Alice in October 1981 at an event at the UU Church. A walking history lesson, she had lived through and fought in all of the major battles for workers’ amd racial justice in the 20th century. My paternal grandparents fought for worker’s rights in the thirties, but died before I was born so I never heard their stories. Although you might not always agree with her, she was true to her beliefs. Alice personified the old saying ,”Where you stand depends on where you sit.” Thank you, Alice for your courage.