The Obama Foundation released a statement honoring the life of Betty Reid Soskin, the Richmond civil rights leader, historian and longtime National Park Service ranger who recently died at age 104.
“The American story is told more completely because of Betty Reid Soskin,” the foundation said, noting her lifelong work to elevate the experiences of Black women and others whose stories were often excluded from mainstream history.
Soskin was instrumental in shaping the narrative at the Rosie the Riveter/World War II Home Front National Historical Park, where she helped document how racial discrimination limited opportunities for Black Americans during World War II. She retired in 2019 at age 100 as the nation’s oldest active park ranger.
Soskin’s work drew national recognition during the presidency of Barack Obama. In 2016, she was invited to take part in the National Christmas Tree Lighting celebration hosted by President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama, an event she later described as deeply meaningful after decades of public service.
Soskin was also honored with a presidential commemorative coin during Obama’s presidency. In 2019, that coin was stolen during a violent burglary at her Richmond home. Despite being in her late 90s, Soskin fought back and scared off the intruder—an act that drew widespread admiration. Soskin later received a replacement presidential coin.
Born in 1921, Soskin spent her life turning personal experience into public history. The Obama Foundation said it was grateful for her service, calling her work essential to telling a fuller and more honest American story.
