Alice E. McEwen facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Alice E. McEwen
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| Born | July 29, 1870 Nashville, TN
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| Died | Unknown |
| Education | Spelman Seminary, 1888 |
| Occupation | journalist, newspaper editor, teacher |
Alice Elizabeth McEwen was an amazing African-American woman. Born on July 29, 1870, she became a journalist, a newspaper editor, and a teacher. She was one of the very first black women to work as a journalist in the United States before 1891. This made her a true pioneer!
Early Life and Learning
Alice Elizabeth McEwen was born in Nashville, TN. Her parents were Reverend and Mrs. A. N. McEwen. She went to public schools in her city.
Alice then attended Fisk University in 1881. Later, she went to Roger Williams University in 1884. In 1885, her father sent her to Spelman Seminary.
First Writings
While at Spelman, Alice started her writing career. In 1885, she published her first article. It was called "The Progress of the Negro" and appeared in the Montgomery Herald.
She kept writing for the Herald and The Spelman Messenger. She also wrote for other newspapers. Alice graduated from Spelman on May 24, 1888. She gave a special speech as the top student, called "The Advantage of Adversity." Many newspapers in the South printed her speech.
Her Career
Alice McEwen had an exciting career. She used her talents in both writing and teaching.
Journalism Work
After graduating, Alice's father hired her. He was the editor of The Baptist Leader newspaper. Alice became his assistant editor.
She continued to publish many articles. Around 1890, she read her paper "Women in Journalism" to the National Press Association. This meeting was held in Washington, D.C.. She also presented another paper at a Women's Baptist State Convention in Greenville, AL.
In 1891, her article "Signs of the Times" appeared in The Freeman. It was later printed again in The Southern Watchman in Mobile, AL.
Teaching Work
Besides writing and editing, Alice McEwen was also a teacher. She taught in several cities in Alabama. These included Montgomery, Huntsville, and Talladega.
In September 1892, she became the secretary of the Huntsville Normal School. Later, she worked as the principal of a school. This school was run by the Odd Fellows in Moss Point, MS.
