When Faye Wattleton was chosen Humanist of the Year in 1986 she was a special awardee. She was the youngest person, first black woman, second black, and sixth woman so honored. Ms. Wattleton's contribution to humanity is her work as president of Planned Parenthood of America, which extends to 120 countries.

Ms. Wattleton was born in St. Louis, Missouri, on July 8, 1943. In 1964, she earned a degree in nursing at Ohio State University. She taught nursing for two years in Ohio, and in 1966 earned an MA at Columbia University in maternal and infant care. She saw the need for birth control and life-saving abortions while interning at a Harlem hospital. She volunteered at Planned Parenthood and in 1971 became executive director of an Ohio chapter. Due to her excellent leadership, Ms. Wattleton became president of Planned Parenthood of America in 1978. She is a skillful speaker, appearing for Planned Parenthood on national television.

Ms. Wattleton develops educational programs for health centers and fights those who commit terrorist acts against women's clinics. She directs national opposition to world political forces that support historic patterns of sex and race discrimination.

--Mildred McCallister
The Humanist of the Year Book 1953-1991