Bertha Pitts Campbell facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Bertha Pitts Campbell
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Campbell's grave at Mount Pleasant Cemetery in Seattle, photographed 2020.
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| Born | June 30, 1889 |
| Died | April 2, 1990 |
| Alma mater | Howard University |
| Known for | Co-founder of Delta Sigma Theta |
Bertha Pitts Campbell was an important civil rights activist. She was born in 1889 and lived until 1990. She is best known as one of the 22 women who started the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. This group helps women and communities.
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Early Life and Family
Bertha was born in Winfield, Kansas, in 1889. She grew up mostly in Colorado. She lived with her grandmother, Eliza Butler. Eliza had been a slave and worked as a laundress.
In 1917, Bertha married Earl Pitts. He worked for the railroad and later for the government. They moved to Seattle in 1923. They had one son, Earl Jr., who sadly died as a baby. Earl Sr. passed away in 1954.
Education and Early Activism
Bertha was the only Black student at Montrose High School. She graduated in 1908 as the top student in her class. She was offered a scholarship to Colorado College. However, Bertha chose to attend Howard University in Washington, D.C. instead. She received financial help from the Congregational Church.
While at Howard University, Bertha helped create the Delta Sigma Theta sorority in 1913. This group became very important for Black women. In the same year, she joined a women's march in Washington, D.C. This march supported women's right to vote. Bertha graduated from Howard University in 1913. She earned a degree in education. After college, she taught for two years in Topeka, Kansas.
Working for Change in Seattle
When Bertha moved to Seattle, she became a strong activist. She helped start the Christian Friends for Racial Equality. This group worked to create more housing and chances for the Black community. She also worked with the Seattle Urban League.
Bertha was the first Black person on the board of directors for the YWCA of Seattle-King County. She was an active member of the YWCA for 53 years.
Later Years and Legacy
At 92 years old, Bertha Pitts Campbell led a march in Washington, D.C. About 10,000 members of the Delta Sigma Theta sorority joined her. This march honored their group's part in the 1913 women's suffrage march.
Bertha lived a long life, passing away peacefully at age 100. In 2018 and 2019, the Northwest African American Museum had an exhibit about Bertha and Mona Humphries Bailey. Mona was also a leader of Delta Sigma Theta. Bertha Pitts Campbell's life showed her dedication to civil rights and helping others.
