Aline Elizabeth Black facts for kids

Aline Elizabeth Black, also known as Aline Elizabeth Black Hicks, was an American teacher. She lived from 1906 to 1974. She is famous for being part of an important court case. This case was about making sure teachers of all races got paid fairly.

In 2008, the Library of Virginia honored her. They recognized her as a notable African American in Virginia's history. She also received an award in 1971. This award was for helping to create equal opportunities in education.

Early Life and Education

Aline Black was born in Norfolk, Virginia. Her birthday was March 23, 1906. Her parents were Charles and Ida Black. She went to school in her hometown. She attended Booker T. Washington High School.

After high school, she went to college. She earned a degree from the Virginia Normal and Industrial Institute. In 1935, she earned a Master of Science degree. She got this degree from the University of Pennsylvania.

Teaching Career

While she was still in school, Aline Black started teaching. She taught at Booker T. Washington High School. In 1939, she lost her job. This happened because she was involved in a lawsuit. The lawsuit was about unfair pay for teachers.

After losing her job, she studied chemistry. She worked towards a doctorate at New York University. She did not finish this degree. In 1941, the Norfolk School Board hired her again. She went back to teaching chemistry. She taught there until 1970.

Later, she worked at Jacox Junior High School. She was an instructional development specialist. She retired from teaching in 1973.

Family Life

Aline Black married Frank A. Hicks. They got married during World War II. They had one daughter together. Aline Black Hicks passed away in Norfolk. She died on August 22, 1974.

Fighting for Equal Pay

When Aline Black started teaching, she faced a big problem. She was a science teacher in Norfolk's public schools. But she was paid much less than white teachers. She received only two-thirds of their salary. This was a common problem for African-American teachers.

This unfair pay made many people angry. The Norfolk Teachers Association and the Virginia State Teachers Association were upset. They believed this racial inequality was wrong. They felt it went against the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution. This amendment promises equal protection under the law.

Petitioning the School Board

In October 1938, Aline Black took action. She asked the Norfolk School Board to change their pay system. She wanted salaries to be based on experience and qualifications. She did not want them based on race or color. The school board said no to her request. They claimed she had given up her right to complain when she signed her contract.

Taking Legal Action

Aline Black did not give up. She had the support of teacher groups. She also worked with the NAACP. In March 1939, she sued the Norfolk School Board. She was the first teacher in Virginia to file a lawsuit about salary discrimination.

She had a team of lawyers helping her. One of them was Thurgood Marshall. He later became a very important judge. Black's lawsuit was first dismissed. Her lawyers then appealed to the Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals.

School Board's Response and Further Action

While the appeal was happening, the school board reacted. They punished Aline Black for her lawsuit. They did not renew her teaching contract in June 1939. Because she was no longer an employee, the court said she could not continue her appeal. The school board's actions were heavily criticized. Many people protested on June 24, 1939.

Even though Black's case was dismissed, the fight continued. The teacher associations found another person to sue. His name was Melvin O. Alston. He filed a new lawsuit against the school board. This case was called Alston v. School Board of City of Norfolk. This lawsuit eventually went to the United States Supreme Court. The Supreme Court agreed that teacher salaries must follow the Fourteenth Amendment. This was a big victory for equal pay.