About Charlotte

Charlotte Schiff-Booker was born and raised in Brooklyn. She finished elementary school at P.S. 137 a year early and did the same at Tilden High School, where she was hyperbolically seen as a Latin scholar. She earned a bachelor’s degree at Brooklyn College, majoring in political science. Her confrontation with racist policies launched her into an activist life that didn’t slow down until she was in her eighties. Her passion for dance began at age seven and for human rights in her teens. Both remained in her heart and mind to this day. 

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Charlotte started her career the only way a female could in 1963, married and mother of three. She moved on from secretary to higher positions in communications future and earned an executive MBA at Columbia University at age forty-five. Time Inc. then appointed her assistant publisher and general manager of People magazine. Later she created and produced a TV series on CBS based on the maga- zine and went on to found a cultural, performing arts cable channel with William S. Paley, founder and CEO of Columbia Broadcasting System. They named the network, CBS Cable.

Charlotte raised her sons, David, Richard, and Paul, to follow the paths they favored and gave them her full support. They’ve reached pinnacles of achievement and recognition as professionals, husbands, and dads. And they brought to life and raised her six superb grandchildren and one marvelous great-grandchild.