Alice Buck Norwood Spearman Wright facts for kids

Alice Buck Norwood Spearman Wright (born March 12, 1902 – died March 12, 1989) was an American woman who worked for fairness and equality for all people. From 1954 to 1967, she was the main leader of the South Carolina Council on Human Relations. This group was connected to the Southern Regional Council. She led the council to join the Voter Education Project. This project helped make sure people followed the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which made discrimination illegal.

Growing Up and School

Where Was Alice Born?

Alice Spearman was born on March 12, 1902, in Marion, South Carolina. Her father, Samuel Wilkins Norwood, was a well-known banker. Her mother was Albertine Buck.

Alice's Education Journey

Alice went to both private and public schools in Marion. She then studied at Converse College. In 1923, she earned a degree in history and literature. After college, Alice taught school in South Carolina. In 1926, she moved to New York City. There, she earned a master's degree in religious education from Teachers College, Columbia University.

Helping Others Through YWCA

Alice was a member of the Young Women’s Christian Association. She used her Baptist religious beliefs to help others. After finishing her studies at Columbia, she took more courses. She also worked for the YWCA in Germantown, Pennsylvania.

Traveling the World

After attending a student conference in Oxford, England, Alice decided to travel. She spent three years exploring the world. She learned about Asian culture in Japan. She also visited the Soviet Union and India.

Early Work

Helping Workers in South Carolina

When Alice returned from her travels, she became a relief director in Marion County, South Carolina. She helped textile workers during a big strike in 1934. In 1935, she married Eugene H. Spearman Sr. They worked together.

A New Path in Her Career

Because of a rule at the time, if both spouses worked for the government, one had to quit. So, Alice left her job and moved to Newberry, South Carolina. In 1951, she needed a full-time job. She became the executive secretary of the South Carolina Federation of Women's Clubs. She also worked as an editor for their magazine.

Fighting for Equality

Leading the Human Relations Council

In October 1954, Alice became the first full-time director of the South Carolina Council on Human Relations. This was right after the Supreme Court made an important decision. In the case of Brown v. Board of Education, the Court said that separate schools for different races were unfair.

Working for Desegregation

Alice worked hard to end segregation. She talked to many white women's groups. She encouraged them to understand the unfairness that Black people faced. Alice believed that with privilege came responsibility. She pushed women to get involved in social movements, even when it was difficult. She also connected new ideas from younger women with advice from older leaders.

Making Changes Happen

Alice tried to work with white men, but her efforts were not successful. In 1959, under Alice’s leadership, the council started new projects. These included student sit-ins and lunch-counter protests. These were peaceful ways to fight segregation.

Alice and her council also worked to create better education and job chances for Black South Carolinians. Because of her efforts, in 1963, the University of South Carolina accepted its first three African-American students. Under Alice’s leadership, the South Carolina Council joined the Voter Education Project. They also worked on issues like illiteracy, job opportunities, and poverty in rural South Carolina.

Later Life and Passing

A New Marriage and Awards

In March 1970, Alice married Marion Wright. They had become good friends while working together in the Civil Rights Movement. They both moved to Linville Falls, North Carolina. Both Alice and Marion received the Frank Porter Graham Civil Liberties Award. Marion received it in 1969, and Alice received it in 1973.

Returning Home

After Marion died in February 1983, Alice returned to Columbia, South Carolina. Alice Spearman died on her eighty-seventh birthday, March 12, 1989. She passed away at the South Carolina Episcopal Home at Still Hopes.

See Also

• Civil Rights Movement
• Southern Regional Council
• Voter Education Project