[3] Batchelor grew up in a politically active household in the Russell Woods neighborhood, as both of her parents were civil rights activists who kept many books about the history and struggles of African-Americans in their home library.
[1] In 1995, she stopped practicing law and founded The MichCon/Think Twice Foundation's Block Club, which worked to bring local businesses, community organizations, and residents together to revitalize neighborhoods in Detroit.
[1] In October 1977, Batchelor became the first-known black member of the Daughters of the American Revolution when she joined the Ezra Parker chapter in Royal Oak, Michigan.
[1][3] Her admission into the society, as the 623,128th member, was reported by The New York Times, the Detroit Free Press, and over two-hundred other news publications.
[3] A chapter in California, upon hearing of her membership, questioned the validity of her genealogical proof and accused the National Society of improper behavior.
[3][8] In 1979, Batchelor co-founded the Fred Hart Williams Genealogical Society, which researches and preserves African-American family history.