Corrinne Mudd Brooks facts for kids

Corrinne Mudd Brooks (born December 14, 1914 – died August 5, 2008) was an American activist. An activist is someone who works to bring about social or political change. Corrinne is famous for starting the very first African-American Girl Scout troop in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Corrinne's Early Life

Corrinne Mudd Brooks was born in Louisville, Kentucky, in 1914. Her family moved to Fort Wayne, Indiana, in 1915 when she was very young. When Corrinne was 13, her mother passed away. Corrinne then became like a mother to her six younger brothers and sisters.

Even with this big responsibility, Corrinne did very well in school. She was also a talented athlete. She was one of the first girls at her high school, Central High School, to earn a special sweater for playing basketball and soccer. After graduating in 1933, she went to Indiana University. She was able to attend college thanks to a special scholarship. Later, she married James W. Brooks. Corrinne lived a long life and passed away in Fort Wayne in 2008 at the age of 93.

Family Roots

Corrinne's family history goes back to 1845 in Kentucky. Her family line includes enslaved people who lived near Calvary, Kentucky. They became Catholic through a baptism of an ancestor.

Her grandfather, George Mudd, was an important person in her family. He fought in the Civil War as a member of the Union Colored Troops. This means he fought for the Union (the North) to end slavery. Many of Corrinne's father's family moved to Fort Wayne between 1915 and 1918. This is where Corrinne grew up and became a very active member of her church and community.

Helping Her Community

Corrinne Mudd Brooks is best known for starting the first African American Girl Scout troop in Fort Wayne, Indiana. She was a very active member of the Limberlost Scout Council, which is part of the Girl Scouts organization. She also served on their board, helping to make important decisions.

Corrinne was involved in many other groups too. She was part of the Commission on the Status of Women for the State of Indiana. This group worked to improve the lives of women. She was also a member of the YWCA, which helps young women and girls. For 27 years, she worked as a secretary at the Fort Wayne Jewish Federations, Inc.

Working for Civil Rights

Corrinne Mudd Brooks worked hard to help her community, which was a big part of the Civil Rights Movement. The Civil Rights Movement was a time when people fought for equal rights for all, especially African Americans. Corrinne's actions helped young Black girls find a community and learn how to be leaders. She also helped young Black students go to college and encouraged many people to register to vote.

Corrinne started her community service when she was just 16 years old in 1930. She joined the Girls Work Committee at the Phyllis Wheatley Center. Here, she helped young African Americans who wanted to go to college get on the right path. Later, she also helped raise money for scholarships for students who wanted to study the arts in college.

The Phyllis Wheatley Center later changed its name to the Fort Wayne Urban League in 1949. This new organization focused on important issues like housing, jobs, and race relations. Corrinne served as the vice president and secretary on their board. She even helped start the Fort Wayne's Urban League Guild, which still exists today.

Corrinne was also involved in politics. She ran for the State's House of Representatives in 1954 and 1956, but she didn't win. Even so, she continued to work for change. She organized a big voter registration drive in Indiana for the 1960 presidential election. She helped over 40,000 people register to vote! Because of her amazing efforts, Senator John F. Kennedy invited her to a special conference about constitutional rights and American freedom.

Honoring Her Legacy

Corrinne Mudd Brooks is remembered for her dedication to young people and her community. There is even an award named after her, called the Corrine Mudd Brooks Service Award. This award is given by the African/African American Historical Society to honor people who show a strong commitment to youth and community.