Anna Russell Jones facts for kids

Anna Russell Jones (born 1902 in Jersey City, New Jersey; died April 3, 1995, in Germantown, Pennsylvania) was an amazing African American artist. She was famous for her work in graphic design, carpet design, and textile design. Her important papers are kept at the African American Museum in Philadelphia.

Her Education Journey

Anna Russell Jones was a true pioneer. She was the first African American woman to get a four-year scholarship from the Philadelphia Board of Education. She was also the first African American to graduate from the Philadelphia School of Design for Women (PSDW). Today, this school is known as Moore College of Art & Design. Her achievements showed that she could overcome challenges and stereotypes of her time.

Her Exciting Career

After finishing her degree in textile design, Anna Russell Jones started working. She designed textiles for a carpet studio in Philadelphia for four years. In 1928, she opened her very own design studio. She sold her unique carpet and wallpaper designs to companies in Philadelphia, New York, and Canada. This happened throughout the 1920s and 1930s.

During World War II, Anna Russell Jones made history again. She was the first African American woman from Philadelphia to join the U.S. Army. She served in the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps, which later became the Women's Army Corps. She was stationed in Arizona. There, she created graphic designs for Army publications. She even earned several awards for her excellent work!

After the war, Jones returned to Philadelphia. She continued her studies in textile design at PSDW. Later, she studied medical illustration at Howard University in Washington, D.C. She worked as a practical nurse at Hahnemann Hospital in Philadelphia. Then, she became a medical illustrator and graphic designer for the government. Anna Russell Jones kept creating art as a freelancer for the rest of her life.

In 1987, Moore College of Art and Design honored her. They gave her an honorary degree called Doctor of Fine Arts. This was a big recognition of her talent and contributions.

A Look at Her Times

Anna Russell Jones lived during a time of big changes for women in art. Schools like the Philadelphia School of Design for Women helped women get professional training. However, there were also challenges. For example, the school was mostly for white students until after 1945. Anna Russell Jones was a special exception as the first African American graduate.

Even with these challenges, many people wanted to help students get an education. This was especially true for Black and African American people in cities like Philadelphia. Education was seen as a way to improve one's life and social standing.

More high schools were built in the city, making education easier to access. By the 1920s, many students received scholarships. These scholarships helped them attend art schools. Anna Russell Jones was one of these talented students who benefited from such support.

Many stories about industrial education in the past focused on men like Booker T. Washington. He founded the Tuskegee Normal and Industrial Institute. But today, scholars are also highlighting the important work of Black women. They show how Black women like Anna Russell Jones played a huge role in shaping society and culture.