Today In Black History
Anna Arnold Hedgeman, Organizer of the 1963 March On Washington
Issue #468 Today In Black History, Monday, January 22, 2024
Today’s Black History WOW!
One of the lesser-told stories about the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom is that shamefully, the women who were so active in the movement for decades were all but shut out of prominence during the event. Only one woman was even allowed to speak, and Daisy Bates said only 200 words.
One woman who vocally protested how women were treated was Anna Arnold Hedgeman, a trailblazing civil rights leader and educator. She was born on July 5, 1899, in Marshalltown, Iowa, and began her career in education by earning a Bachelor's degree in mathematics from Hamline University in 1922.
She later received a Master's degree in social work from the University of Minnesota. She worked as a teacher and social worker in her early years, dedicating herself to uplifting marginalized communities.
Hedgeman's contributions to the Civil Rights Movement were vast and varied. In 1954, she became the first African American woman to hold a high-ranking position in the federal government when President Dwight D. Eisenhower appointed her to serve on the Committee on Government Contracts. She played a crucial role in ensuring fair employment practices and non-discrimination in government contracts, a significant victory for the civil rights movement.
Hedgeman was also at the forefront of the fight for desegregation in schools. In 1957, she was an organizer and participant in the Prayer Pilgrimage for Freedom, a historic event that brought together over 25,000 people to demand the desegregation of schools. Her tireless efforts in advocating for racial equality paved the way for future advancements in civil rights.
Hedgeman was one of the few women involved in the planning and organization of the March on Washington. She served as the only woman on the executive committee of the event, where she contributed her organizational skills and strategic thinking. Her presence and input helped to ensure that the march was inclusive and representative of diverse voices within the civil rights movement.
Additionally, Hedgeman played a key role in mobilizing support for the march. She used her extensive network and connections within various civil rights organizations to garner participation and commitment from activists and supporters. Her ability to bring different groups together and unite them toward a common goal was instrumental in the success of the march.
In 1964, Anna Arnold Hedgeman published her memoir titled "The Trumpet Sounds: A Memoir of Negro Leadership," which provided a firsthand account of her experiences during the civil rights movement. Her memoir continues to serve as an important historical document, shedding light on the struggle for racial justice.
Throughout her career, Hedgeman worked with various organizations dedicated to improving the lives of African Americans. She served as the executive director of the National Council for a Permanent Fair Employment Practices Commission and was involved in the National Urban League, the YWCA, and the National Council of Negro Women.
Today In Black History
- In 1821, Minister Lott Carey led a group of freed slaves to colonize a part of Africa and named the country Liberia, which officially became the Republic of Liberia in 1847.
- In 1891, Dr. Daniel Hale Williams, who was the first surgeon to perform a successful human open-heart surgery, opened Provident Hospital in Chicago, the first non-segregated hospital in the United States.
- In 1946, Tunisia became the first Arab nation to outlaw slavery.
- In 1958, Althea Gibson became the first Black female athlete to be named “Female Athlete of the Year.”
- In 1964, the 24th Amendment to the Constitution was ratified, abolishing the poll tax, which was used to prevent African Americans from voting.
- In 1977, ABC-TV began televising the “Roots” mini-series, based on the book by Alex Haley. “Roots” went on to become the most-watched mini-series in TV history.
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