Community Engagement
On the Shoulders
of Giants
by Elizabeth Denham
Harper’s Story
A lifelong advocate, activist and warrior for social justice, Jane Plitt has worked tirelessly for women’s equality. So, it is no wonder that when she came upon the story of Martha Matilda Harper, she was compelled to ensure Harper’s story was not lost to history.
10 The Franchise Woman
“If we don’t recognize how we have stood on the shoulders of others who have fought for equality for all, we are just repeating the mistakes of history,” Plitt said. “We have to personalize it and see the humanity.”
Before Plitt began her research and published her biography of Martha
Matilda Harper, few people were aware of the pioneer Harper was in launching the modern retail franchising model and her inventions in the salon industry. “Stories are so important,” Plitt noted, “That’s why the Harper narrative is so important. We need models that all people can identify with.”
