Bernice I. Sumlin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Bernice I. Sumlin
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Bernice I. Sumlin, from a 1961 newspaper
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Berniece Sumlin
November 29, 1926 Dayton, Ohio, USA
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| Died | January 11, 2018 (aged 91) Dayton, Ohio, USA
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| Occupation | Educator |
| Known for | International president, Alpha Kappa Alpha (1974) |
Bernice Irene Sumlin (November 29, 1926 – January 11, 2018) was an important American educator. She was known for her leadership in the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority. In 1974, she became its nineteenth international president. She also held a national leadership role with the National Council of Negro Women.
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Early Life and Education
Bernice Irene Sumlin was born in Dayton, Ohio. Her parents were Wright R. Sumlin and Gussie Bingham Sumlin. She went to Dunbar High School. After that, she studied at Wilberforce College, graduating in 1948.
She continued her education at Miami University. In 1951, she earned a master's degree in education administration. This degree helped her to lead schools. In 1946, she joined the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority. She stayed involved with this group throughout her life.
Her Career as an Educator
Bernice Sumlin worked for the Dayton Public Schools for many years. She had several important jobs there. She was a teacher, helping students learn new things. She also worked as a guidance counselor, advising students about their futures.
Later, she became a special education coordinator. This meant she helped students who needed extra support. She also served as a high school principal. In 1961, she helped her community in Westwood, Dayton. She worked with neighbors to stop a storage yard from being built near their homes.
From 1970 until she retired in 1980, she was the principal of a special high school. This school was for students who were pregnant. It helped them continue their education. Bernice Sumlin was also active in her church, the African Methodist Episcopal Church. She served on the board of directors for Unity Bank.
Leadership in Alpha Kappa Alpha
Bernice Sumlin held many leadership roles before becoming president. In 1974, she was elected the international president of the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority. She served in this role until 1978. During her time as president, she focused the sorority's efforts on important causes. These included promoting literacy and education.
In 1975, Sumlin represented her sorority at special events. These were part of the International Women's Year. She attended events in Washington, D.C., and Mexico City. In 1977, she was recognized as one of Dayton's Top Ten Women. Later, she received a special award from the sorority. It was called the Woman of the Decade Award.
Other Important Roles
In 1997, Bernice Sumlin gave a presentation in Harare, Zimbabwe. This was at the Fourth African American Summit. She was also a national vice president for the National Council of Negro Women. This group works to improve the lives of Black women and their families.
She was also a fundraiser and organizer for the NAACP. The NAACP is a well-known civil rights organization. It works for justice and equality for all people.
Later Life
Bernice Sumlin passed away in 2018. She was 91 years old. She died in a nursing home in Dayton, Ohio.
