Minnie B. Smith
Minnie B. Smith | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | Minnie Beatrice Smith February 18, 1882 Washington, D.C., US |
| Died | December 1, 1918 (aged 36) Washington, D.C., US |
| Other names | Beadie |
| Alma mater | Washington Normal School No. 2 Howard University |
| Occupation | Teacher |
| Known for | founder of Alpha Kappa Alpha |
Minnie Beatrice Smith (February 18, 1882 – December 1, 1918) was an American educator and an incorporator of Alpha Kappa Alpha, the first sorority founded by African-American women.
Early life[edit]
Minnie Beatrice "Beadie" Smith was born in Washington, D.C. on February 18, 1882.[1][2][3] She was the daughter of Katherine "Kate" (née Jackson) and Willis J. Smith.[4][3][5]
Smith attended St. Augustine's School for her elementary education.[6] She recited "Little Edith's Request" at the school's closing exercises in June 1895, where she was presented with the gold medal for lessons.[7] She graduated from a high school in Washington, D.C. in June 1901.[8]
Smith attened Washington Normal School No. 2, graduating with a teacher's diploma on June 12, 1903.[9] She enrolled in Howard University, graduating with an A.B. cum laude in June 1912.[10] While at Howard, she was a member of the local sorority Alpha Kappa Alpha.[1]
Alpha Kappa Alpha[edit]
After discovering that 22 members wanted change Alpha Kappa Alpha into a new sorority, Nellie Quander, the immediate past president of the college sorority, contacted Smith and other alumnae.[11][1] Smith worked with Quander to stop the proposed change, including writing letters to other alumnae.[1] Smith, Quander, and Norma Boyd signed articles of incorporation for Alpha Kappa Alpha on January 29, 1913.[12][1] This officially established Alpha Kappa Alpha as the first national sorority for Black women.[1] The dissenters withdrew and formed Delta Sigma Theta.[12]
Smith served as the national sorority's first grammateus or secretary.[13][1] In 1916, she became its second Supreme Basileus or president.[13][1][11]
Career[edit]
After graduating from the Wahington Normal School, Smith taught at the Mott School in Washington, D.C.[4][1] She continued to teach while attending Howard University.[1][4]
Personal life[edit]
Smith was a member of the Women's Frederick Douglas Benefit Association and St. Augustine Catholic Church.[14][5] She contracted the Spanish influenza in November 1918.[1] She died a few days later at her home in Washington, D.C. on December 1, 1918.[13][14][5] Her funeral was held at her home at 1518 Corcoran Street Northwest, followed by mass at St. Augustine Catholic Church.[5]
References[edit]
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Ross Jr., Lawrence C. (2001). The Divine Nine: The History of African American Fraternities and Sororities. Kensington. pp. 297–298. ISBN 978-0758202703.
- ^ 1900 United States Federal Census. Washington, District of Columbia; Roll: 160; Page: 9A; Enumeration District: 0045; FHL microfilm: 1240160. via Ancestry
- ^ a b District of Columbia, Select Births and Christenings, 1830-1955. FHL Film Number 2114652, Reference ID cn 29243. via Ancestry.
- ^ a b c 1910 United States Federal Census. Precinct 3, Washington, District of Columbia; Roll: T624_150; Page: 1A; Enumeration District: 0054; FHL microfilm: 1374163. via Ancestry.
- ^ a b c d "Died". Evening Star. Washington, D.C. 1918-12-02. p. 7. Retrieved 2024-04-06 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "St. Augustine's School: Colored People Who Had Done Well During the Past Year". Evening Star. Washington, D.C. 1892-06-16. p. 7. Retrieved 2024-04-06 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "St. Augustine's School". The Washington Post. 1895-06-15. p. 3. Retrieved 2024-04-06 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Diplomas Ready". Evening Star. Washington, D.C. 1901-06-17. p. 11. Retrieved 2024-04-06 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Teachers' Diplomas Presented to Graduates of Normal School No. 2". Evening Star. Washington, D.C. 1903-06-12. p. 10. Retrieved 2024-04-06 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Howard Students Cheer Thirkield". The Washington Herald. Washington, D.C. 1912-06-06. p. 6. Retrieved 2024-04-06 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ a b McNealey, Earnestine G. (2006). Pearls of Service: The Legacy of America's First Black Sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha. Chicago: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. p. 66-67.
- ^ a b Giddings, Paula (1988). In Search of Sisterhood: Delta Sigma Theta and the Challenge of the Black Sorority Movement. New York, New York: HarperCollins Publishers. p. 53. 0688135099.
- ^ a b c "Minnie B Smith". Theta Rho Chapter at Virginia Commonwealth University - Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. Archived from the original on 2008-01-01. Retrieved 2007-10-15.
- ^ a b "Died". Evening Star. Washington, D.C. 1918-12-03. p. 7. Retrieved 2024-04-06 – via Newspapers.com.
