Sheila Michaels’ legacy was marked by her relentless pursuit of equality and her role in transforming societal norms regarding women’s titles. Her efforts helped pave the way for greater gender equality and recognition of women’s independence.

Sheila Michaels, born on May 8, 1939, in St. Louis, Missouri, grew up in a complex family environment. Her mother, Alma Weil, was a playwright and theatrical producer, while her biological father, Ephraim London, was a civil rights attorney. Raised initially by her maternal grandparents in New York City, Sheila later returns to live with her mother and stepfather, Harry H. Kessler. She took her stepfather’s last name, Kessler.

She attended the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia but was expelled for writing anti-segregation articles for the school newspaper. Her mother and stepfather disowned her because they disapproved of her political activism. She also requested that she not use Kessler as her surname; she returned to being Sheila Michaels. In the 1960s, Sheila became deeply involved in the Civil Rights Movement, working with the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE) and the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC). Her activism led her to seek a title for women that is not dependent on marital status.

She championed the use of “Ms.,” a term she first encountered on a mailing label. The misspelling was a typographical error, however she ran with it, making it a moniker for women. In 1969, during a radio interview, she suggested “Ms.” as a title for women, which caught the attention of feminist Gloria Steinem. This led to the widespread adoption of “Ms.” and the launch of the magazine “Ms.” in 1972.

Sheila Michaels did receive recognition for her work, particularly for her role in popularizing the title “Ms.” While she did not achieve widespread fame during her lifetime, her contributions were acknowledged by feminist circles and later by the broader public. Her efforts were instrumental in promoting gender equality and changing societal norms regarding women’s titles.

Sheila’s contributions extended beyond feminism. In 1975, she traveled to Laos to work with children injured during the Vietnam War. She also worked as an oral historian, documenting the experiences of civil rights activists, and even drove a taxi in New York City for a decade. She died from leukemia on June 22, 2017.

Her work gained more attention posthumously, with various articles and obituaries highlighting her impact on the feminist movement and the English language. Michaels’ legacy continues to be celebrated for its lasting influence on how women are addressed and perceived in society. To learn more about Sheila Michaels, click here.