Arsania Williams facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Arsania Williams
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| Born | 1875 Baton Rouge, Louisiana
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| Died | March 24, 1954 Hillsdale, Missouri, U.S.
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| Occupation | Educator, clubwoman |
Arsania M. Williams (born January 1875 – died March 24, 1954) was an amazing American teacher and community leader. She lived in St. Louis, Missouri. Arsania Williams taught in schools for over 50 years. She also led many important groups. These included teacher associations and women's clubs. She was a national leader for the National Association of Colored Women (NACW).
Contents
Who Was Arsania Williams?
Early Life and Education
Arsania M. Williams was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Her parents were George and Julia Williams. She grew up in St. Louis. She went to Sumner High School. There, she studied in the normal department. This program trained her to become a teacher. When she was a young teacher, she shared her ideas. She gave a speech about school rules at a teachers' meeting in 1902.
A Dedicated Teacher
Arsania Williams taught for more than 50 years. She taught in schools that were segregated. This means Black students and white students went to separate schools. In 1940, the Missouri State Association of Negro Teachers honored her. They gave her a special medal for her great service. They also held a big dinner for her. One of her students was A'Lelia Walker. A'Lelia was the daughter of the famous businesswoman Madame C. J. Walker.
Leading the Way in Her Community
Arsania Williams was a strong leader in her community.
- In 1904, she helped plan a "Negro Day" event. This was for the Louisiana Purchase Exposition in St. Louis.
- She was the first president of the Wheatley Branch of the YWCA in St. Louis. The YWCA helps young women.
- In 1913, she welcomed W. E. B. Du Bois to St. Louis. He was a very important civil rights leader.
- In 1922, she started a training school. It helped Sunday School teachers and church workers.
- In 1929, she led a discussion at a meeting. This meeting was for the Association for the Study of African American Life and History. Important people like Carter G. Woodson were there.
National Leadership
Arsania Williams was a leader in many groups. She was president of:
- The Missouri State Association of Negro Teachers
- The Missouri Association of Colored Women
- The St. Louis Association of Colored Women
She also held important jobs at the national level. She was a vice-president for the National Association of Colored Women (NACW). She helped plan the NACW's 50th anniversary party in 1946.
Later Life
Arsania Williams passed away in 1954. She was 79 years old. She died at a hospital in Hillsdale, Missouri.
