Eleanor Ragsdale facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Eleanor Ragsdale
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| Born |
Eleanor Dickey
February 23, 1926 |
| Died | May 5, 1998 (aged 72) |
| Alma mater | Cheyney University of Pennsylvania |
| Occupation | Educator, real estate agent, activist |
| Known for | Civil Rights Movement |
| Spouse(s) | Lincoln Ragsdale (m. 1949) |
Eleanor Dickey Ragsdale (born February 23, 1926 – died May 5, 1998) was an amazing American woman. She was a teacher, a business owner, and a strong leader. Eleanor worked hard for equal rights during the Civil Rights Movement in Phoenix. She helped make life better for many people.
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Eleanor's Early Life and Work
Eleanor finished college at Cheyney University of Pennsylvania in 1947. She earned a degree in education. Soon after, she moved to Phoenix, Arizona. There, she became a kindergarten teacher at Dunbar Elementary School. In 1949, she married Lincoln Ragsdale. They became partners in both business and fighting for fairness in Phoenix.
Fighting for Civil Rights
Eleanor Ragsdale was a very active person in her community. She worked hard to make things fair for everyone.
Joining Important Groups
Eleanor was a founding member of several important groups. These included the local branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). She also helped start the Phoenix Urban League and the Greater Phoenix Council for Civic Unity. These groups worked to end unfair treatment and create equal chances for all people. Eleanor was also part of The Links, Incorporated. This group focused on helping women and their communities.
Working with Other Communities
In the 1960s, Eleanor Ragsdale teamed up with Grace Gill-Olivarez. They worked together to end segregation in schools. Segregation meant that students of different races had to go to separate schools. Eleanor and Grace wanted all students to have good schools. They especially wanted to help Mexican American and African American students.
Eleanor helped Grace Gill-Olivarez raise money. This money helped Mexican American high school students attend job-training classes. She also worked with leaders at ASU. They created programs to help African American and Mexican American students get financial aid for college.
In 1953, Eleanor and her friends won a big victory. They helped desegregate schools in Phoenix. This meant that students of all races could go to the same schools. Even with this success, Eleanor kept working for fairness.
