Allen Easter Ericson Weatherford facts for kids
Dr. Allen Easter Ericson Weatherford was a very important person. He was a professor who taught about physical education. He was also the first black man ever to earn a special high degree called a doctorate in this subject.
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Dr. Allen E.E. Weatherford: A Pioneer in Education
Allen Easter Ericson Weatherford was born on March 25, 1907. His hometown was Charlottesville, Virginia. At that time, it was very hard for African Americans to get a good education, especially in the southern United States. Even so, his parents really wanted him to keep learning.
His Journey to Higher Education
Dr. Weatherford's uncle, Benjamin Tonsler, was a school principal. He played a big part in helping young Allen go as far as he could with his studies. Allen left home to attend the Hampton Institute in Hampton, Virginia. There, he earned his first college degree.
He didn't stop there! Dr. Weatherford then earned his master's degree. After that, he achieved something truly special. He earned his PhD in physical education. This made him the very first black man to get a doctorate in that field.
Life as a Professor and Family Man
After his studies, Dr. Weatherford moved to North Carolina. In 1939, he married Rebecca Christmas. They had six children together. He worked as a professor at St. Augustine's University. He also became the head of the Department of Physical Education there.
Dr. Weatherford passed away in 1965. He was buried at Mount Hope Cemetery (Raleigh, North Carolina). His life showed how important it is to keep learning and to break new ground.
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