RESPECT is what Elizabeth Douglas and Aretha Franklin both sought from African-American women in the 1960s. Inspiring women played an important role in the civil rights movement. Elizabeth Douglas, better known as Memphis Minnie, used her guitar to change the lives of many people in America. During this time, Aretha Franklin used her recognizable voice to help encourage equal opportunities for African American women and men. Although Elizabeth and Aretha had unique musical styles, these two women had common interests in equality for African American men and women. Women working in the music industry had a significant impact on the civil rights movement of the 1960s. Elizabeth Douglas was one of many women in the music industry who attempted to end segregation in stores, restaurants, cinemas, in life and even in the workplace. Elizabeth Douglas was born in Algiers, Louisiana on June 3. , 1897 (Rey). She was the eldest of 13 siblings. Elizabeth was given the nicknames Lizzie and "Kid" by her close friends and family. She started playing guitar at the age of 8 when she received her first guitar. When Elizabeth was a teenager, she left her home in Walls, Louisiana, and began life in Memphis, Tennessee. On the streets of Memphis, Tennessee, everyone called Elizabeth “Kid” Douglas. Kid quickly realized the challenges of being a broke musician in a crowded city. When Kid first moved to Memphis, she played in string bands and jug bands (Nager). Because she was homeless, Kid had to endure difficult situations like not having money for food and clothing, and Kid had no place to live for a short time. Blank...... middle of paper ......have you had to use separate bathrooms yourself and eat at different restaurants than your friends? Aretha and Elizabeth used their passion, music, to reach out to every person, regardless of the color of their skin, to have a common bond. Music is a great way to bring people of all shapes and sizes together around a common interest.Works CitedH. W. Wilson Company. “Franklin, Aretha.” 2014. Ohio News. April 21, 2014 Swim, Larry. “Memphis Minnie.” and Memphis Music Hall of Fame. April 21, 2014. Rey, Del. “Memphis Minnie Queen of Soul.” 1997. Memphis Minnie. April 25, 2014. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, Inc. “Aretha Franklin Biography.” 2014. Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Museum. April 21 2014 .