Revisionist History The Judgment of Helen Levitt
Jul 15, 2021
Helen Levitt, an activist and former member of the Communist Party, shares her extraordinary journey from aspiring Hollywood success to facing the harsh realities of the Red Scare. She reflects on her upbringing in Brooklyn during the Great Depression, early political awakening, and the heavy toll of blacklisting. Levitt discusses the emotional and social repercussions of exclusion, her commitment to grassroots activism, and the lifelong fight for representation in the entertainment industry. Her story highlights the resilience needed in the face of societal upheaval.
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Helen Levitt's Interview
- Helen Slote Levitt, a seemingly ordinary woman, gave a 7-hour interview in 1988.
- This interview, along with one with her husband, spanned major historical periods.
Childhood Influences
- Helen Levitt grew up in a middle-class Jewish family in Brooklyn, deeply affected by the Depression.
- Her father's financial struggles and political discussions shaped her social awareness.
Joining the YCL
- As a teenager, Helen was exposed to radical politics through a friend's boyfriend.
- This led her to join the Young Communist League (YCL).