Inabel Burns Lindsay (1900-1983) was born on February 13,1900 in St. Joseph, Missouri. The Burns family set a high priority on education and achievement  which reflected the accomplishments of all of the children in the family. Forced to cope with serious disabilities during childhood, Inabel became fiercely independent and developed the strength and determination that equipped her later in life to address many of the challenges of her times. As a young student she became very aware of racial discrimination and this became her stimulus to breaking down barriers in the interest of social justice.

She attended Howard University from 1916 to 1920. After receiving her undergraduate degree in 1920, she entered the New York School of Social Work as an Urban League Fellow. She later received the Masters of Arts in Social Work degree from the University of Chicago and the Doctor of Social Work degree from the University of Pittsburgh.

In the late 1920’s to the mid 1930’s Dr. Lindsay taught in Kansas City, Missouri and during that time helped build Missouri Public Welfare agencies and instructed their staff.

Dr. Lindsay joined the faculty of Howard University in 1937 and developed innovative methods in teaching at-risk children. In addition, she carried out research for the National Urban League in cities that were experiencing racial unrest and developed recommendations for addressing their needs. She also developed policies and programs in public welfare during the great depression. In the 1960’s she helped found Jamaica’s School of Social Work and developed training for the Virgin Islands Social Welfare Department.  She retired in 1967. For 30 years she was a leader in her profession.

Dr. Lindsay was a trailblazer and was designated a social work pioneer by the National Association of Social Work.  Her lifetime as a champion for social justice was and remains an extraordinary accomplishment.