Anita Mackey facts for kids

Anita Johnson Mackey (January 1, 1914 – April 16, 2024) was an amazing American social worker. She lived to be over 110 years old! In 1953, she made history. She became the first African-American supervisor at the VA's clinic in Los Angeles. The VA helps people who have served in the military.

Early Life and Education

Anita Johnson Mackey was born in Riverside, California. Her birthday was January 1, 1914. She was one of eight children. Her family had a strong history. Her grandmother had been an emancipated slave. When Anita was ten, her mother passed away. Her older sister helped their father raise her.

Anita loved to learn. She went to the University of Redlands. In 1937, she earned her first degree in speech. After she got married, she taught first grade. But she wanted to learn even more. She decided to study social work. She went to the University of Chicago School of Social Service Administration. In 1941, she earned a master's degree. This degree was in medical social work.

A Career Helping Others

After finishing her studies, Anita began her career. She worked for the American Red Cross. This organization helps people in need. Later, she joined the Veterans Administration (VA). She worked there for many years. In 1964, the VA opened a new office. It was in Santa Barbara, California. Anita moved there to work. She retired from the VA in 1976.

Even after retiring, Anita kept busy. She taught classes. These classes were about African-American culture. She taught them at Santa Barbara City College. In 1983, something very special happened. She met Queen Elizabeth II! This meeting took place in Santa Barbara.

Awards and Recognition

Anita Johnson Mackey received many awards. People recognized her hard work. In 1972, she got the Santa Barbara Council on Social Services Award. It was for her excellent service. Andrews University also honored her. They gave her an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree. She also became an Honorary Member of Delta Kappa. In 1976, she received a big honor. She was named Santa Barbara Woman of the Year.

Her Personal Life

Anita married Harvey A. Mackey in 1937. He worked for the postal service in Chicago. In 1954, they did something wonderful. They helped a young student from Nigeria. His name was Olu Ola Adekanmbi. They mentored him. He later earned a Ph.D. and became a college professor. Anita was also very close to his son, Alexander.

Anita was a very active person. She was a member of her Adventist church. She was also a vegetarian. She loved to travel the world. She started traveling when she was 23. Through her church missions and other trips, she visited all seven continents! She traveled to 130 different countries.

Anita's husband, Harvey, passed away in 1986. Anita Johnson Mackey lived a very long life. She passed away on April 16, 2024. She was 110 years old. Her important papers are kept at the University of California, Santa Barbara.