Alfreda Duster facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Alfreda Duster
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| Born |
Alfreda Barnett
September 3, 1904 |
| Died | April 2, 1983 (aged 78) Billings Hospital, Chicago
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Notable work
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Crusade for Justice: The Autobiography of Ida B. Wells (1970) |
| Spouse(s) | Benjamin C. Duster Jr. |
| Children | 5 (including Troy Duster) |
| Parent(s) | Ida B. Wells Ferdinand L. Barnett |
Alfreda M. Duster (born Barnett; September 3, 1904 – April 2, 1983) was an important social worker and community leader in Chicago. She was the youngest daughter of the famous civil rights activist Ida B. Wells. Alfreda Duster is best known for editing and publishing her mother's life story, called Crusade for Justice: The Autobiography of Ida B. Wells. This book helped share her mother's amazing work with the world.
Contents
Alfreda Duster's Early Life and Education
Alfreda Barnett was born in 1904. Her parents were Ida B. Wells and Ferdinand L. Barnett. Both of her parents were well-known civil rights activists.
Alfreda went to the University of Chicago. She earned a bachelor of philosophy degree in 1924.
Family Life and Career
Alfreda married Benjamin C. Duster Jr. He worked at her father's law firm. For many years, Alfreda focused on raising her five children. She was a homemaker.
When she was 40, her husband passed away. Alfreda then decided to go back to school. She studied social work to help others.
Helping the Community
Alfreda Duster became a social worker. She worked for the state of Illinois. Her job was to help prevent young people from getting into trouble. This is known as juvenile delinquency prevention.
She also managed a program for girls. This program was for underprivileged city children. It took place at Camp Illini.
Alfreda also served as a secretary. She worked for Charles Jenkins. He was a Black member of the Illinois legislature.
Awards and Recognition
Alfreda Duster received many honors for her work. She was named "Mother of the Year" twice, in 1950 and 1970.
She also received the Bootstrap Award. This award came from the Opportunity Centers of Chicago. The University of Chicago Alumni Association gave her a Citation for Public Service. Later, Chicago State University gave her an honorary doctorate degree. This was a special recognition for her contributions.
Publishing Her Mother's Autobiography
One of Alfreda Duster's most important projects was editing her mother's autobiography. Her mother, Ida B. Wells, had passed away. Alfreda worked on the book for 25 years.
In 1970, the book was finally published. It was titled Crusade for Justice: The Autobiography of Ida B. Wells. This book tells the story of Ida B. Wells' life and her fight for justice.
For her work on this book, Alfreda Duster won an award. It was the National Council of Negro Women Award for Literary Excellence. She also received an award for her outstanding humanitarian contributions.
Legacy
The Alfreda Barnett Duster Apartments are named after her. These are public housing buildings in Chicago.
Alfreda Duster passed away on April 2, 1983. She was 78 years old.
