History of Lilly Ledbetter in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: October 15, 2024

"Lilly Ledbetter, an American activist, gained recognition as the plaintiff in the landmark Supreme Court case Ledbetter v. Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., which centered around employment discrimination. Despite losing her case due to the existing statute of limitations on pay discrimination claims, Ledbetter's fight paved the way for the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009. This legislation, named in her honor, amended the Civil Rights Act to ensure that employees could seek redress for wage disparities. Following this experience, Ledbetter emerged as a prominent advocate for women's equality, captivating audiences as a speaker, author, and champion for equal pay."

April 14, 1938: Birth of Lilly Ledbetter

Lilly Lynn McDaniel Ledbetter was born in Possum Trot, Alabama on April 14, 1938.

1956: Graduation from Jacksonville High School

Lilly Ledbetter graduated from Jacksonville High School in 1956.

1964: Passage of the Civil Rights Act

The Civil Rights Act of 1964, which included Title VII prohibiting employment discrimination, was passed.

1979: Lilly Ledbetter Hired by Goodyear

Lilly Ledbetter began working as a supervisor at Goodyear in 1979.

1997: Discovery of Pay Disparity

By the end of 1997, Lilly Ledbetter discovered a significant pay gap between her salary and that of her male counterparts at Goodyear.

1998: Retirement from Goodyear

Lilly Ledbetter retired from Goodyear in 1998 after working there for nineteen years.

August 26, 2008: Speech at the Democratic National Convention

On August 26, 2008, Lilly Ledbetter spoke at the Democratic National Convention in Denver, Colorado, addressing the issue of pay equity.

December 2008: Death of Charles Ledbetter

Lilly Ledbetter's husband, Charles Ledbetter, passed away in December 2008.

2009: Passage of the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act

The Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act was passed by the 111th United States Congress in 2009.

2011: Ledbetter Decision Cited in Over 350 Cases

By 2011, the Ledbetter decision had been cited in over 350 cases since its issuance in 2009.

2011: Induction into the National Women's Hall of Fame

Lilly Ledbetter was inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame in 2011.

February 2012: Release of "Grace and Grit"

Lilly Ledbetter's memoir, "Grace and Grit: My Fight for Equal Pay and Fairness at Goodyear and Beyond," was published in February 2012.

September 4, 2012: Speech at the Democratic National Convention

Lilly Ledbetter addressed the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina, on September 4, 2012, emphasizing the importance of equal pay.

October 31, 2012: Appearance on The Colbert Report

Lilly Ledbetter appeared as a guest on The Colbert Report on October 31, 2012 to discuss her memoir, "Grace and Grit: My Fight for Equal Pay and Fairness at Goodyear and Beyond".

October 10, 2024: Premiere of "Lilly" at Hamptons International Film Festival

The film "Lilly," which tells the story of Lilly Ledbetter and stars Patricia Clarkson, premiered at the Hamptons International Film Festival on October 10, 2024.