Visitor Badge Worn By Ethel L. Payne

Late 20th century

Journalist Ethel L. Payne (1911-1991) wore this visitor’s badge while attending an event at the United Nations, whose logo adorns the pink pass. Payne covered many U.N. meetings throughout her globetrotting career. This laminated badge might have accompanied the press pass admitting Payne to the U.N.’s 13th Special Session at its New York City headquarters in May 1986. It addressed economic recovery and development in Africa, a topic of professional as well as personal interest. A Chicago native, Payne moved to Washington, DC in 1952 to cover national and international news. The lifelong civil rights activist reported from thirty countries over the course of her career, becoming known as the First Lady of the Black Press.