In the aftermath of the Blizzard of 1978, after 27 inches of snow fell on the Boston area, shutting down businesses and schools throughout the city, the lights were on and the doors unlocked at the Roxbury Area Planning Action Committee office at the insistence of its head, Gloria Fox who remained in the office to provide assistance while most of the city remained closed.
That dedication to community was on brand for Fox, who passed away Tuesday at age 82.
“That’s just who she was,” said Sharon Scott-Chandler, president and CEO of the anti-poverty agency Action for Boston Community Development, which oversaw the Roxbury AIPAC office. “She was a tremendous force within our neighborhood network.”
Fox, whose activism stretched back to the 1960s fight against the planned extension of Interstate 95 through Roxbury and other Boston neighborhoods, spent 29 years representing the 7th Suffolk District, during which time she earned a reputation as a tireless advocate for human services and the rights of low-income people.
Throughout her life Rep. Fox tirelessly fought for the people of her Roxbury community, both as an elected official and civic leader. PHOTO: BANNER ARCHIVES AT BOSTON UNIVERSITY
Fox was elected to the Legislature in 1987, during the early years of the Massachusetts Black Legislative Caucus, filling a seat vacated by the late Doris Bunte. While Black Caucus members were in agreement on issues of racial equity and social justice, their views and aims were often at odds with the overwhelmingly white and male-dominated culture in the State House noted former City Councilor Charles Yancey.
“Gloria Fox had to contend with an environment that was hostile to people of color and women,” he said. “She came into office at a time when her constituents were protesting for their rights. She gave people a lot of hope.”
Fox, who grew up in the state’s foster care system and lived part of her adult life in public housing, brought her life experiences to her work in the State House, noted former State Sen. Linda Dorcena Forry. Throughout her career, she stood up for the interests of low-income people, public housing residents, foster children and parents and others who often lacked representation at the State House.
PHOTO: BANNER ARCHIVES AT BOSTON UNIVERSITY
“She was an expert in housing,” Dorcena Forry said. “She was an expert in early childcare. She was in the weeds and she was very vocal. She was able to bring people to the table. People respected her for her work. When she spoke, people listened.”
During a 2016 interview with the Banner, Fox acknowledged her reputation for standing up for low-income people.
“I started out as what we called a poverty warrior,” she said. “I’ve lived a life of giving and sharing. This particular position as a state representative has allowed me to provide resources and support to the community that has adopted me.”
During Fox’s 29 years in the Legislature, she earned respect and accolades for her work and advocacy. But throughout her career, she maintained a closeness to the communities where she was raised and cut her teeth in public life.
“She never forgot where she came from,” Yancey said. “She didn’t have an elitist bone in her body. She cared for and loved her community unconditionally.”
The battles she fought weren’t easily won, but Fox maintained a sense of humor and at times radiated optimism, beginning her public addresses with “God is good!”
Fox leaves two children, six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
