Beebe Steven Lynk facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Beebe Steven Lynk
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| Born | October 24, 1872 |
| Died | 11 November 1948 (aged 76) |
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Beebe Steven Lynk (1872–1948) was an important professor and author. She taught medical subjects like Latin botany and materia medica (which is about medicines) at the University of West Tennessee. She was also very active in the early black women's club movement. This movement helped African-American women work together for important causes. Beebe Steven Lynk wrote a famous book called Advice to Colored Women in 1896.
Early Life and Education
Beebe Steven Lynk was born in Mason, Tennessee, on October 24, 1872. Her parents were Henderson Stevens and Jule Ann (Boyce) Stevens.
She earned a bachelor's degree from Lane College in Jackson, Tennessee, in 1892. She was 20 years old when she graduated. We don't know exactly when she started college. At that time, Lane College offered degrees in preaching and teaching. Since Beebe Lynk became a teacher, it's likely her degree was in teaching.
Later, in 1903, Lynk earned a Ph.C. degree from the University of West Tennessee. Ph.C. stands for Pharmaceutical Chemistry. This degree helped her practice and teach about medicines and chemicals.
Career and Contributions
The University of West Tennessee was founded by Beebe Lynk's husband, Miles Lynk, in 1900. It started in Jackson, Tennessee, and later moved to Memphis in 1907. The university had a special goal: to offer excellent education to everyone, no matter their race or color. It also aimed to provide higher education for African-American youth.
After getting her Ph.C. degree, Beebe Lynk became one of the university's ten professors. She was one of only two women professors there.
Around 1910, a report called the Flexner Report looked at medical schools across the country. This report was meant to make medical education more standardized. The report was often very critical of African-American medical schools. In 1908, the University of West Tennessee faced criticism. Despite these challenges, the university continued to operate until 1923, when it closed due to money problems.
Besides teaching, Beebe Lynk was a writer. She wrote Advice to Colored Women in 1896. This book shared ideas about how African-American women could improve their lives through education and respect. She was also a strong supporter of women's rights. She was a member of the National Federation of Women's Clubs. She even served as the Treasurer for the Tennessee branch of this organization.
In 1919, Mrs. Lynk published another book. It was a school textbook called A Complete Course in Hair Straightening and Beauty Culture. In this book, she shared chemical recipes for beauty treatments that people could do at home. She hoped her book would help women find success, happiness, and a good life.
Personal Life
On April 12, 1893, Beebe Steven married Dr. Miles Vandahurst Lynk. Her husband was also a very important person. He founded the University of West Tennessee. He also started and published Medical and Surgical Observer. This was the first medical journal created by an African-American person.
Beebe Steven Lynk passed away on November 11, 1948, in Memphis, Tennessee. Not much information is known about her life today. This is partly because the University of West Tennessee no longer exists. However, more details about her might be found in the Tennessee State archives.
