Edna Meade Colson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Edna Meade Colson
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| Born | October 7, 1888 |
| Died | January 17, 1985 (aged 96) Colonial Heights, Virginia, US
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| Nationality | American |
| Education | Fisk University, Columbia University |
| Occupation | Educator |
| Partner(s) | Amaza Lee Meredith |
Edna Meade Colson (born October 7, 1888 – died January 17, 1985) was an important American educator. She is remembered for helping African Americans in Virginia get better access to education.
Contents
Life and Education
Edna Meade Colson was born on October 7, 1888. Her hometown was Petersburg, Virginia. She was the oldest of five children. Her parents, James Major Colson and Kate Deaver Hill Colson, were also well-known educators.
Her College Journey
Edna worked hard to get her own higher education. She earned her bachelor's degree from Fisk University in 1915. Later, in 1940, she received her Ph.D. from Teachers College, which is part of Columbia University.
Champion for Education
After finishing her own studies, Edna Meade Colson became a strong supporter. She wanted to make sure that African Americans could get advanced education. This meant going to college for master's or doctorate degrees.
Opening Doors to Graduate Studies
In 1937, Colson led a special committee. Their job was to start a program at Virginia State University. This program offered graduate-level courses to African American students. It was a big step forward for equal education.
Beyond the Classroom
Edna Colson was also active in politics. She worked for civil rights and equality.
Voting Rights and Civil Rights
She was one of the first women to register to vote. This happened after the 19th Amendment was passed. This amendment gave women the right to vote in the United States. Colson also became the first African-American woman to be a lifetime member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. This group, often called the NAACP, works for civil rights for African Americans.
Her Home and Retirement
Colson shared a home with Amaza Lee Meredith. They lived in a house called "Azurest South" in Chesterfield County, Virginia. Amaza Lee Meredith had designed this unique house.
Edna Colson retired from Virginia State University in 1953. She was 96 years old when she passed away on January 17, 1985. She was buried in Eastview Cemetery in Petersburg, Virginia.
