ANDERSON – On a day America marked the rise of an African American woman to the country’s second highest elected office, the local black community also mourned a woman who has been described as “a driver of change for the African American community and civil rights.” ”
Rosetta Minnifield, best known for serving on the boards of the Madison County Community Health Center and the Anderson Madison County Black Chamber of Commerce, died early Wednesday morning. She was 82 years old.
Minnifield stood up for the cause of civil rights and equality and made an indelible mark on the community, said those close to her. She has served on numerous boards and worked with organizations such as the Urban League and the League of Women Voters. But it was her volunteering – especially with the Community Health Center – that her friends cared about.
“She was always ready to help, always ready to do anything for you,” said Jackie German, Chair of the Health Center’s Community Relations Committee, who volunteered with Minnifield on a variety of projects and fundraisers.
Minnifield has also been remembered as a role model for younger African American women.
“She has done so much work in this area of civil rights, equal opportunities and community service,” said Kim Townsend, executive director of the Anderson Housing Authority. “She just wanted to serve her community and she did a good job.”
According to her former son-in-law, Madison County Attorney Rodney Cummings, Minnifield has had a number of health problems over the past decade.
Cummings said the sheer power of Minnifield’s personality won her many friends and helped build bridges in the community as civil rights and racial equality issues became more important over the years.
“She was a very dynamic personality and very active on community issues,” he said. “It has been recognized by almost every organization. She has always been involved in gender equality issues affecting people with color. “
At the Urban League, Minnifield used her position to share Anderson’s story nationally, traveling with volunteer colleague Anthony Malone to events across the country with the National Council of Urban League Guild.
“She was a real justice drummer,” said Malone, who later retired from the health center. “She was probably one of the most important people in helping this community move forward and advance the cause, especially when it came to women.
“She was the mortar in the building blocks when it came to building black and white relationships in this community,” he added. “She ran the race and she finished the track.”
consequences Andy Knight on Twitter @Andrew_J_Knight or by calling 765-640-4809.
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