The Changemakers: Cork champion of the underdog, Maureen Curtis Black
![The Changemakers: Cork champion of the underdog, Maureen Curtis Black The Changemakers: Cork champion of the underdog, Maureen Curtis Black](/cms_media/module_img/6517/3258806_15_articlesmall_Collage_20Maker-24-Oct-2022-06.22-PM.jpg)
Maureen Curtis Black campaigned for widows’ rights, founded the first Citizens’ Advice Bureau, in Cork, and offered vital support to fellow Corkwoman Josie Airey during her seven-year fight to secure free legal aid in civil cases in Ireland.
When Maureen Curtis Black died on January 18, 1999, six women carried her coffin as a mark of respect for a pioneer who campaigned all of her life to give ordinary people a voice. One of those pallbearers, historian Sandra McAvoy, recalls: “I think we were all so proud to make that final statement: To say that final thank you for her long fight, for her friendship, for her unflinching personal support to so many people; and we were saying, Maureen, we revere you.”
HISTORY HUB
If you are interested in this article then no doubt you will enjoy exploring the various history collections and content in our history hub. Check it out HERE and happy reading
![Maureen Curtis Black receiving an award. Maureen Curtis Black receiving an award.](https://www.irishexaminer.com/cms_media/module_img/6517/3258800_15_articleinline_Aunty_20Maur_20_1_.jpg)
![Maureen Curtis-Black became the first Corkwoman to be awarded the freedom of her native city. Maureen Curtis-Black became the first Corkwoman to be awarded the freedom of her native city.](https://www.irishexaminer.com/cms_media/module_img/6517/3258803_15_articleinline_1551685_1551685.jpg)