Megan Gillespie Rice was born on January 31, 1930 in New York City, NY. She was raised in a loving family environment, with two older sisters. Her parents both worked at universities, instilling in her a love for education and a desire to make a difference in the world.
In 1957, Rice earned her bachelor's degree in biology from Villanova University. This educational background would prove to be instrumental in her later activism, as it provided her with a strong foundation in science and critical thinking.
Rice is best known for her involvement in the American nuclear disarmament movement. Throughout her life, she was a fierce advocate for peace and social justice. In 2012, at the age of 82, she made headlines when she, along with two other protestors, illegally entered a national security complex as part of a nonviolent protest.
This act of civil disobedience resulted in Rice being sentenced to three years in prison for the national security breach. However, due to her advanced age and health concerns, she was only required to serve two weeks of her sentence.
Rice's actions have inspired countless others to stand up for peace and justice in the face of adversity. Her unwavering commitment to her beliefs serves as a reminder that change is possible, even in the most challenging of times.