Alice L. Thompson Waytes facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Alice L. Thompson Waytes
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| Born | 1870 |
| Died | October 19, 1949 |
| Occupation | Public speaker and teacher |
Alice L. Thompson Waytes (born 1870, died 1949) was an amazing African American teacher and speaker. People sometimes called her "Miss A.L.T. Waytes of Boston." She worked hard to help Black women get the right to vote. She also supported the Progressive Party, led by President Theodore Roosevelt.
Contents
Alice L. Thompson Waytes: A Champion for Change
Early Life and Education
Alice L. Thompson Waytes was born in 1870 in Union County, South Carolina. She grew up in Columbia, the capital city.
Alice loved learning. In the 1890s, she finished a special program at Benedict College. Later, in 1901, she completed missionary training at Shaw University. A few years later, in 1904, she moved to Chicago to study at the Moody Bible Institute.
At the Moody Bible Institute, Alice learned about the "Social Gospel." This idea meant helping people in need and working for fairness in society. Her studies helped her become involved in Chicago's Black political community. She even helped start the Frederick Douglass Center.
Becoming a Public Speaker
Alice taught at the Florida Institute at Live Oak until 1910. After that, she became a leader for Bible school work in New York.
In 1911, she became a pastor at Shiloh Baptist Church in West Medford, Massachusetts. This is where she became well-known as "Miss A.L.T. Waytes of Boston."
Fighting for Votes
After her time as a pastor, Alice focused on politics. She became a powerful speaker for the Progressive Party in 1912. This party was led by former President Theodore Roosevelt.
In 1916, she also spoke for the Republican party. Her speeches across the country focused on getting votes for women. This was a very important goal for her.
The Progressive Party chose her as a speaker. She gave speeches in Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Massachusetts. Former President Roosevelt even sent her a letter praising her work.
In 1916, she led the Colored Women's National Republican Committee. She helped lead the campaign for presidential candidate Charles Evans Hughes among Black women. Alice knew a lot about racism in the South. She also understood the Chicago community well. This knowledge helped her give strong and moving speeches.
Before the 1920 election, she was chosen as an Alternate Delegate for New York's 21st District. She supported Senator Hiram W. Johnson.
Later Years and Legacy
The 19th Amendment was passed in 1920. This amendment finally gave women the right to vote. Alice continued speaking after this important change. Her later speeches focused more on religious topics and helping others.
In 1934, she lived in Central Harlem. She was the director of the Salem Emergency Bureau. This group likely helped people in need.
Alice faced some health problems in 1934. In 1940, she was living in Queens, New York. She told the Census taker that she was a teacher. However, she had been unemployed for a year and was looking for work.
Alice L. Thompson Waytes passed away on October 19, 1949, in Orangetown, New York. She left behind a legacy as a dedicated educator and a strong voice for women's rights and social justice.
Published Works
- "The Hidden Fire" - a pamphlet (1916)
See also
