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Smallwood: The Unlikely Revolutionary Robert Gottlieb

Wayne Carter

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Robert Gottlieb, a soft-spoken and unassuming man, was an unlikely revolutionary. But his work behind the scenes helped to transform Baltimore, Maryland, from a city plagued by racial segregation and economic inequality into a more just and equitable place.

Gottlieb was born in 1919 to a Jewish immigrant family in Baltimore. His father was a tailor, and his mother was a homemaker. Gottlieb grew up in a working-class neighborhood and attended public schools. He was a bright and curious student, but he was also shy and introverted. After graduating from high school, Gottlieb attended the University of Maryland, where he studied economics. He graduated in 1941, and then he went to work for the state government.

Smallwood: The Unlikely Revolutionary

by Robert Gottlieb

4.1 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Gottlieb's work in state government brought him into contact with the problems of poverty and racial segregation in Baltimore. He saw how these problems affected the lives of ordinary people, and he was determined to do something to help. In 1955, Gottlieb became the executive director of the Baltimore Urban League. The Urban League was a non-profit organization that worked to improve the lives of African Americans in Baltimore.

Under Gottlieb's leadership, the Urban League launched a number of programs to address the problems of poverty and racial segregation. These programs included job training, housing counseling, and legal assistance. Gottlieb also worked to build bridges between the African American and white communities in Baltimore.

In 1966, Gottlieb was appointed by Governor Spiro Agnew to head a task force on urban renewal. The task force was charged with developing a plan to address the problems of poverty and racial segregation in Baltimore. Gottlieb and his task force developed a plan that became known as the Smallwood Plan.

The Smallwood Plan was a comprehensive plan that addressed the problems of poverty and racial segregation in Baltimore. The plan included provisions for new housing, new schools, new job training programs, and new community centers. The plan also included provisions for increased funding for social services and for the enforcement of fair housing laws.

The Smallwood Plan was controversial, but it was ultimately approved by the Maryland General Assembly. The plan was successful in reducing poverty and racial segregation in Baltimore. The plan also helped to improve the quality of life for all Baltimoreans.

Gottlieb continued to work for social justice and economic equality in Baltimore until his death in 2007. He was a tireless advocate for the poor and the oppressed, and he made a lasting difference in the lives of many people.

Robert Gottlieb's Legacy

Robert Gottlieb's legacy is a complex one. He was a controversial figure during his lifetime, but he is now widely recognized as one of the most important figures in Baltimore's history.

Gottlieb's work on the Smallwood Plan helped to transform Baltimore from a city plagued by racial segregation and economic inequality into a more just and equitable place. The plan was a bold and ambitious undertaking, and it faced many challenges. But Gottlieb's determination and perseverance paid off. The plan was ultimately successful, and it made a lasting difference in the lives of many Baltimoreans.

Gottlieb's legacy is not limited to the Smallwood Plan. He was also a tireless advocate for social justice and economic equality throughout his life. He worked to improve the lives of the poor and the oppressed, and he made a difference in the lives of many people.

Gottlieb was a complex and controversial figure. But he was also a man of great vision and determination. He dedicated his life to fighting for social justice and economic equality, and he made a lasting difference in the world.

Robert Gottlieb was an unlikely revolutionary. But his work behind the scenes helped to transform Baltimore, Maryland, from a city plagued by racial segregation and economic inequality into a more just and equitable place. Gottlieb's legacy is a complex one, but he is now widely recognized as one of the most important figures in Baltimore's history.