Dorothy Hamm facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Dorothy Hamm
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Born | 1919 Caroline County, Virginia
|
| Died | May 14, 2004 (aged 84–85) Richmond, Virginia
|
| Nationality | American |
| Education | Miner Teacher's College |
| Occupation | educator, activist |
Dorothy Hamm (1919-2004) was a brave and important leader in the civil rights movement in Virginia. She was also a writer, a teacher, and worked to make elections fair. Her work helped many people gain equal rights.
Contents
Who Was Dorothy Hamm?
Early Life and Education
Dorothy Hamm was born in 1919 in Caroline County, Virginia. She went to Miner Teachers College. This college helped train teachers. In 1942, she married Edward Leslie Hamm, Sr. They had three children together.
Fighting for Equal Rights
Dorothy Hamm worked hard to end segregation. Segregation meant keeping people of different races separate. She wanted everyone to have fair access to schools, jobs, homes, and public places. This included restaurants, theaters, and hospitals.
She was involved in five important court cases. These cases helped change laws about civil rights. One big case in 1956 ended school segregation in Arlington County, Virginia. This county is very close to Washington D.C., our nation's capital.
Teaching Through Art
Dorothy Hamm also used her talents to teach others. She wrote a play called "Our Heritage: Slavery to Freedom, 1776–1976." This play was a special event for the country's 200th birthday. She also made a documentary film. It was called "Our Struggle for Equality–25 Years Ago." This film is shown every year during Black History Month.
A School Named in Her Honor
In 2018, a middle school in Arlington, Virginia, was named after her. It is called the Dorothy Hamm Middle School. This was a great way to honor her important work.
Her Impact and Legacy
Recognized for Her Achievements
In 2002, the Virginia House of Delegates praised Dorothy Hamm. They said her achievements were historic. They noted she helped get rid of unfair rules. These rules included:
- Rules that made it hard for students to attend certain schools.
- Rules that separated athletes in Arlington public schools.
- Rules that segregated theaters in Arlington.
- The "poll tax," which was a fee people had to pay to vote. This tax made it harder for many people to cast their ballots.
Working for Fair Elections
Dorothy Hamm was an elections officer in Arlington County for over 27 years. She helped make sure elections were fair. She was also a delegate for the Democratic Party in 1964. Later, she became an assistant registrar and a chief election officer.
She also worked with the Congress of Racial Equality. This group helped organize civil rights efforts in Arlington. In 1968, she took part in the Poor People's March on Washington. This march was about fighting poverty and inequality.
Helping Children and Communities
In the mid-1960s, Dorothy Hamm helped start a Head Start program in Arlington. Head Start helps young children from low-income families get ready for school. She taught there for several years.
She was also a leader in her churches. She served as a secretary and trustee at Wright's Chapel United Methodist Church. She even joined their drama group.
Awards and Honors
Dorothy Hamm received many awards for her service. In 1982, she got the first Martin Luther King Jr. Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service in Arlington County. She also received an award from the Young Arlington Democrats. This award honored her for "Pioneering Civil Rights in Arlington."
Her Lasting Memory
Dorothy Hamm passed away on May 14, 2004, in Richmond, Virginia. In 2018, the Virginia Capitol Foundation announced another honor for her. Her name would be on the Virginia Women's Monument's glass Wall of Honor. This monument celebrates important women in Virginia's history.
Images for kids
-
Dorothy Hamm, a leader in the civil rights movement.
