Clara Byrd Baker facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Clara Byrd Baker
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Born | June 22, 1886 Williamsburg, Virginia
|
| Died | October 20, 1979 (aged 93) Virginia Beach, Virginia
|
| Nationality | American |
| Alma mater | Hampton Institute Virginia State College for Negroes |
| Occupation | Educator, Suffragist |
Clara Byrd Baker (born June 22, 1886 – died October 20, 1979) was an important American teacher and community leader. She was also a suffragist, which means she worked hard to get women the right to vote. Clara Byrd Baker made history by being the first woman to vote in Williamsburg, Virginia.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Clara Olivia Byrd was born in Williamsburg, Virginia, on June 22, 1886. Her parents were Charles and Malvina Carey Byrd. In 1905, she married William Baker. He was a sexton, which is a person who takes care of a church building, at Bruton Parish Church. Clara and William Baker had four children together.
Her Schooling
Clara Byrd Baker studied at two important colleges. She earned her degree in Education from Hampton Institute. She also studied at Virginia State College for Negroes. This college is now known as Virginia State University.
A Life of Teaching and Community Work
Clara Byrd Baker dedicated her life to helping others, especially through education and fighting for equal rights.
Teaching Career
Baker started teaching in 1902 in a small, one-room schoolhouse in James City County, Virginia. In 1920, she began teaching at a public school for African-American children. Later, she joined the staff at Bruton Heights School. She taught there until she retired in 1952.
Helping Her Community
Clara Byrd Baker was a strong leader in the African-American community in Williamsburg. She cared deeply about public affairs, especially education. She also worked to bring different groups of people together. Most importantly, she fought for women's right to vote.
In 1920, a new law called the Nineteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution was passed. This law gave women across the United States the right to vote. After this, Clara Byrd Baker became the first woman in Williamsburg to cast her vote.
In 1967, the superintendent of schools honored her at a special event. He said that he couldn't remember any important community effort that Baker hadn't been a part of. This shows how much she helped her community.
Awards and Recognition
Clara Byrd Baker received many awards for her work in education and for helping her community.
- In 2007, the Virginia State Library and Archives named her an African American Trailblazer. This award honors important African Americans from the state of Virginia.
- In 2011, the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation honored her life in a special project called To Be Seen as an American. This project recognized her as one of three African-American women who didn't let society's rules stop them from achieving great things.
- She also received the Meritorious Service Award and the Alumni of the Year Award from the Virginia State University Alumni Association.
- She earned the Heritage Girl Scout Award for volunteering with the Girl Scouts for 25 years.
Later Life and Lasting Impact
In 1967, Clara Byrd Baker moved to Virginia Beach. She continued to volunteer and help her community until she passed away on October 20, 1979. She is buried in Cedar Grove Cemetery in Williamsburg.
Clara Byrd Baker Elementary School
In 1989, the Williamsburg-James City County Public Schools named a new public elementary school after her. Clara Byrd Baker Elementary School opened in September 1989. It was first built for 600 students. In 1992, the school was made bigger to teach 800 students. This school helps keep her memory alive and honors her dedication to education.
