Alberta Banner Turner facts for kids

Alberta Banner Turner (born March 17, 1909 – died January 31, 2008) was an African American professor and psychologist. She was also a well-known activist who worked for civil rights and women's rights, especially within the field of psychology.

Dr. Alberta Banner Turner's Life and Work

Her Education Journey

Alberta Banner Turner attended Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio. She earned all three of her college degrees there. She was a dedicated student and a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority.

She received her first degree, a bachelor's degree, in 1929. Then, in 1931, she earned a master's degree in education. Dr. Turner completed her highest degree, a Ph.D. (doctorate), in 1935. Her special research project for her doctorate was called "The Effect of Practice on the Perception and Memorization of Digits Presented in Single Exposures."

Dr. Turner is known as one of the first Black women in the United States to earn a doctorate in psychology. She was the third, following Inez Prosser and Ruth Howard.

Her Career in Psychology

After finishing her studies, Dr. Turner began her career as a professor. From 1935 to 1936, she led the home economics department at Winston-Salem College in North Carolina. She then moved to Lincoln University in Missouri, where she chaired the Home Economics Division from 1936 to 1937.

She continued to lead home economics departments at other universities. These included Southern University in Louisiana (1938-1939) and Bennett College for Women in North Carolina (1939). During this time, she also gave talks about consumer issues. In 1941, she received a special scholarship to study at Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri. She was the first Black woman to receive this honor.

In 1944, Dr. Turner returned to Ohio. She started working as a clinician at the Ohio Bureau of Juvenile Research. This organization is now known as the Ohio Department of Youth Services.

During the 1950s, Dr. Turner became very active in her research. She taught classes at Ohio State University about topics like psychopathology (the study of mental illness) and helping young people in trouble. She also continued her work as a psychologist at the Ohio Department of Youth Services.

She earned important promotions, becoming Supervising Psychologist in 1953 and Chief Psychologist in 1959. She also worked as a clinical psychologist, helping young people at the Ohio Reformatory for Women (now called Ohio Reformatory for Women).

In 1963, Dr. Turner was promoted again. She became the director of research for the Ohio Youth Commission. She continued her work at Ohio State University and the Ohio Reformatory for Women. From 1972 to 1976, she was also involved with the Criminal Justice Supervisory Commission. She also advised the National Advisory Council on Vocational Rehabilitation.

Making a Difference in Her Community

Dr. Turner was a strong supporter of civil rights for African Americans. Even in high school, she challenged unfair rules. She attended a "whites-only" prom to protest against discrimination. After graduating, she and other students tried to enter a "whites-only" movie theater. When they were denied entry, they took legal action against the manager.

She was also very active in African American social groups. In 1953, she became the fourth president of the National Jack and Jill of America Foundation. She also helped start the Columbus chapter of The Links Inc., and was its first national program director. This organization now has 10,000 members across the country.

Dr. Turner was key in creating the Prelude Scholarship and Recognition Program. This program is a partnership between The Links, Ohio State University, and the Columbus Public Schools. It celebrates and supports minority students. The Links organization has also created a scholarship at Ohio State to help minority students.

Awards and Recognition

Dr. Turner received many honors for her hard work. In 1966, the Columbus Citizen-Journal newspaper named her one of the "Ten Women of the Year."

When she retired in 1971, the State of Ohio honored her. They gave her a special award for her many years of work in helping young people. In 1999, The Ohio State University gave her a Distinguished Service Award. They recognized her for being a role model and guide for young people, especially teenagers facing challenges. They also noted her pioneering work for African Americans in understanding and treating difficult behaviors. The university praised her for being a strong advocate for racial, civil, and religious rights.

In 2003, the Ohio Psychological Association gave Dr. Turner the "Achievement Award for a Psychologist in the Public Interest." Her inspiring life story has been featured in magazines like Jet and in the Psychology of Women Quarterly. In all these stories, Dr. Turner is celebrated as a role model and inspiration for young people today.