Addie Whiteman Dickerson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Addie Whiteman Dickerson
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Addie Whiteman Dickerson, from a 1942 publication
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| Born | 1878 Wilmington, North Carolina
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| Died | May 31, 1940 (aged 61–62) |
| Nationality | American |
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G. Edward Dickerson
(m. 1908; died in 1940) |
Addie Whiteman Dickerson was an amazing American woman who lived from 1878 to 1940. She was a successful businesswoman, a politician, and worked hard for women's rights and peace. She was also a leader in many women's clubs.
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About Addie Dickerson's Life
Early Life and Education
Addie Whiteman Dickerson was born in 1878 in Wilmington, North Carolina. She went to school at the Gregory Normal School and Scotia Seminary. These schools helped her get a good education.
Family and Career
In 1908, Addie married G. Edward Dickerson. They had one child together. They made their home in Philadelphia. Addie became a successful real estate broker. This means she helped people buy and sell homes and land. She also became the first African American woman to be a notary public in Pennsylvania. A notary public is someone who can legally witness signatures on important documents.
Working for Women's Rights
Addie Dickerson was very active in groups that helped women. These groups were often called "clubwomen" movements. She was a founding member of the Philadelphia chapter of the Federated Women's Club. She also joined the National Association of Colored Women's Clubs and the National Council of Negro Women. These groups worked to improve life for African American women and their communities.
Addie was also a strong supporter of Women's suffrage. This was the movement to get women the right to vote.
Politics and Peace Work
After women in America won the right to vote in 1920, Addie Dickerson decided to run for office. In 1930, she ran for a seat in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. She ran as a member of the Republican Party, but she did not win. For a while, she led the Philadelphia Republican Council of Colored Women.
Addie Dickerson also cared deeply about world peace. She helped start a group called the International Council of Women of the Darker Races (ICWDR). This group worked for peace around the world. In 1928, she became the president of this important organization.
Addie Dickerson passed away on May 31, 1940.
Addie Dickerson's Legacy
Addie and G. Edward Dickerson both died in 1940. They left their money and property to create something special. They started the G. Edward and Addie W. Dickerson Foundation. This foundation helps others.
In 2018, a beautiful mural was painted to honor the Dickersons. The mural was created by artist Ernel Martinez as part of the Philadelphia Mural Arts Program. You can find this mural at the Art Sanctuary Philadelphia. This building was actually owned by the Dickersons a long time ago!
