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Did you know that Birmingham was among the first cities in Michigan to have a female mayor? In her 1960 acceptance speech, Florence “Twink” Willitt stated “I hope to do a good job. I want the women in the community to be proud of the manner in which I perform- and the men too.”  And while she sought to do that good job for the city, the media often paid far more attention to her appearance, clothing and family life. Far more than they did for her male peers anyhow. The story of Florence Harris Baker Willet is the culmination of a journey started by women in Birmingham before women even had the right to vote. But its also the start of another one that led to greater representation for women on Birmingham’s city commission, various boards and leadership roles within city hall.

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Special thanks to the Birmingham Area Cable Board for PEG grant funding that made this podcast possible. Also thanks to past and present staff of the Birmingham Museum, and our amazing volunteers.