M. Beatrice Smith
M. Beatrice 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 attended 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 there were some members who wanted change some symbols of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Nellie Quander, the immediate past president of the college sorority, contacted Smith and other members to inquire into whether they had agreed to accept the proposed changes.The inquiries received back all favored no acceptance of any changes. As a result, Smith worked with Quander to stop the proposed changes to the organization as well as fulfill the legal requirements for expansion.[11][1] Smith helped to develop the strategy to preserve the organization and she, Quander, and Norma Boyd completed the necessary requirements for international incorporation. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority was legally incorporated on January 29, 1913, making it the first black sorority and the first black collegiate sorority to be incorporate.[12][1][13] Smith served as the national sorority's first grammateus or secretary.[14][1] In 1916, she became its second Supreme Basileus or president.[14][1][11]
Career
[edit]After graduating from the Washington 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.[15][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.[14][15][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 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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ "Sorority Is Incorporated". Evening star. p. 7. Retrieved August 4, 2024.
- ^ 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.
