Becoming a Breckinridge

Abstract

Chapter 1 uses Breckinridge’s unpublished memoirs in conjunction with other sources to explore Breckinridge’s family and childhood in Lexington, Kentucky. Breckinridge grew up surrounded by family; she also understood that she was responsible for maintaining the family tradition of public service. Both Breckinridge’s family legacy and her relationships with other family members would have a profound impact on her future career. In addition, her youthful exposure to social inequality and her attendance at the coeducational University of Kentucky heightened her awareness of racism and sexism, helping to pave the way for her future work on behalf of women’s rights and civil rights.