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Her interest in young people led her to the Baltimore UrbanLeague where she became active as a volunteer in programs toprovide job opportunities for youths. As a result of herresearch and studies about the school dropout rate, sheconducted a local radio program Radio WEBB. She laterleft the school system to embark on a career to prove thatwomen could succeed in other fields.
As the first Director of Community Education and Relations ofthe Baltimore City Community Relation Commission, she workedtirelessly to bring her organization's message to Maryland.She interpreted the City's civil rights law for the public viaradio, television, movies, print media, workshops, andconferences.
This experience led to her appointment as the first womanInsurance Compliance Specialist for the Social SecurityAdministration. In this position, she traveled across thecountry monitoring affirmative action programs of governmentMedicare contractors to ensure equality of opportunity forminorities and women. In July, 1969, she was appointed one ofthe only three full-time National Directors of the FederalWomen's Program which was established under Executive Order ofthe President. Through her work in this program, Bernicebecame a recognized authority in the field and served as aconsultant and resource person for the former U.S. CivilService Commission. She lectured locally and nationally atconferences, workshops, and schools.
In October, 1972, she was promoted to the position ofCommunity Relations Officer for Social Security Administration- again another first. Due to the growth of activities in thisarea, a Community Relations Staff was created and she wasnamed Chief of the Headquarters Coordination and LiaisonStaff, Office of Governmental Affairs. This staff served asthe primary source of advice and information regarding thepublic's position and opinions on SSA Entitlement Programs.She retired from the Social Security Administration in May,1984.
She found that, although it is difficult, a woman can succeedin this so-called "man's world." It was out of this that shecreated the title for her weekly column in theBaltimore Afro American, "It's Not A Man's World." Shegained national recognition because of this column and thewealth of information it contained. She was guest columnistfrom 1969-1974.
Bernice found time to be very active in voter registrationand voter education programs and in many aspects of thepolitical life of the Baltimore community. Through heraffiliation with Woman Power, she worked with women to makethem more politically aware and informed on current issues.She initiated the move to have sex included in the Provisionsof Acts of Discrimination in the City Civil Rights OrdinanceNo. 103. The amendment was passed in August, 1971 and signedinto law by the Mayor. Currently, she is the firstAfrican-American chair of the Baltimore City Commission forWomen. Mrs. White began her tenure with the commission in1990. In January 1995, the Honorable Kurt L. Schmoke, Mayor ofthe City of Baltimore, appointed her as chairperson.
Her participation in civic, religious, and professionalorganizations has been long and rewarding. She has heldmembership on many boards, commissions, and is often soughtafter to chair or serve on philanthropic ventures and healthand welfare fund-raising projects. She was appointed by formerGovernor Harry Hughes to serve on the Eastern Region FosterCare Review Board for Baltimore City. The Honorable Parris N.Glendening presented a Governor's Citation to her,acknowledging the Valued Hours Award she received from theFullwood Foundation.
Bernice Smith White's continued dedication to creatingawareness and cultivating understanding has benefited women inthe State of Maryland.