Edith Savage-Jennings facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Edith Savage-Jennings
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Edith Savage-Jennings speaking in the 2017 Women's March in Trenton, New Jersey
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Edith Mae Savage
March 17, 1924 Jacksonville, Florida, U.S.
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| Died | November 12, 2017 (aged 93) Trenton, New Jersey, U.S.
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| Nationality | American |
| Known for | Activist |
| Spouse(s) | C. Donald Jennings (1993-2011; his death) |
Edith Mae Savage-Jennings (born March 17, 1924 – died November 12, 2017) was an amazing American leader. She worked hard for civil rights in New Jersey. Civil rights mean that everyone should have the same rights and be treated fairly.
Edith was known for being friends with the famous civil rights leader, Martin Luther King Jr.. She was also special because she visited the White House during the time of every president of the United States, from Franklin D. Roosevelt to Barack Obama. In 2011, she was honored by being added to the New Jersey Women's Hall of Fame.
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Edith's Early Life
Edith Savage was born in 1924 in Jacksonville, Florida. She was one of six children in her family. Sadly, her parents passed away when she was only two years old. After this, Edith and her brothers and sisters went to live with their aunt. Their aunt moved the family to New Jersey.
When Edith was 10, she met the First Lady, Eleanor Roosevelt. Edith was chosen to give flowers to Mrs. Roosevelt for a club. Even though she was told not to speak, Edith thanked Mrs. Roosevelt. This led to them becoming pen pals for the rest of Mrs. Roosevelt's life!
At just 12 years old, Edith joined the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). This group works to make sure all people have equal rights.
A Leader for Civil Rights
When Edith was only 13, she helped to change things at the Capital Theater in Trenton, New Jersey. She refused to sit in the balcony, which was where Black people were forced to sit. Edith's first job was in the sheriff's office, where she kept speaking up against unfair treatment.
In 1957, Edith was helping to raise money for Martin Luther King Jr.'s group. That's how she met him. Dr. King and his wife, Coretta Scott King, became very close friends with Edith. After Dr. King passed away, Edith worked with Coretta to start the King Center. This center helps carry on Dr. King's work.
In 1964, Edith and the First Lady of New Jersey, Helen Stevenson Meyner, went on a special trip. They went to Mississippi to help a school become integrated. This meant allowing students of all races to attend together. Edith and Helen talked with local women to help the school integrate peacefully. Later that year, Edith also started the New Jersey Democratic Coalition.
In 2017, Edith was a main speaker at the 2017 Women's March in Trenton. She continued to inspire people until the end of her life.
Other Ways She Helped
Edith also helped with the Poor People's Campaign in 1968. This campaign worked to help people who were struggling. President Jimmy Carter chose her to be a U.S. representative at a big women's meeting in Houston, Texas in 1977.
Besides fighting for civil rights, Edith also believed in the power of education. She wanted to solve problems in the African-American community through learning. She thought it was very important for parents and mentors to guide children and be good role models.
Her Personal Life
On October 28, 1993, Edith married C. Donald Jennings. Two other famous civil rights leaders were at her wedding: Rosa Parks and Coretta Scott King. Coretta Scott King was even her maid of honor! Her husband, C. Donald Jennings, passed away on June 19, 2011.
Her Passing
Edith Savage-Jennings passed away on November 12, 2017. She was 93 years old and died at her home in Trenton, New Jersey.
Awards and Honors
Edith Savage-Jennings received more than 100 awards and honors for all her important work. In 2011, she was added to the New Jersey Women's Hall of Fame. The city of Trenton even declared February 19, 2016, as Edith Savage-Jennings Day!
She was a special guest at the White House for every president of the United States, from Franklin Delano Roosevelt all the way to Barack Obama. This shows how important and respected she was.
