Elizabeth Anna Hendrickson facts for kids

Elizabeth Anna Hendrickson (1884–1946) was an important leader and activist for civil rights. She was born in St. Croix, which was a Danish colony at the time. When she was 11, she moved to New York to live with her aunt. In New York, Elizabeth received a good education and went to high school. She met and was inspired by many influential people there. Elizabeth became a member of the Quaker organization.

Early Life and Community Work

Elizabeth Anna Hendrickson grew up in St. Croix until she was 11 years old. After moving to New York, she became a key member of the Harlem Renaissance movement. This was a time when African-American art, music, and literature flourished in Harlem, New York.

She was well-known for speaking on street corners. She also helped with the Harlem Tenants League in the 1920s. This group worked to improve housing conditions for people in Harlem.

Helping Others in Need

Elizabeth helped create several groups in New York. These included the American West Indians Ladies Aid Society (AWILAS) and the Virgin Islands Catholic Relief Organization. These groups helped people from the Virgin Islands who lived in Harlem and those still living back home.

The AWILAS started in 1915. It was first called the Danish West Indians Ladies Aid Society. Its goal was to help immigrant women from the Danish West Indies. Elizabeth Hendrickson was the president of this Society in 1924 and 1930. She also helped Rothschild Francis, another important Virgin Islander, start his newspaper called The Emancipator.

Speaking Up for Change

Elizabeth Anna was a powerful speaker on street corners. She was very involved in the struggles of the Harlem Tenants League during the 1920s. Harlem was a big center for Black culture and life. Many people from the Caribbean, including Virgin Islanders, were part of this community.

People from the Virgin Islands knew a lot about how Black people faced unfair treatment in the U.S. This was because their islands had been colonized. Elizabeth Anna, along with Ashley L. Totten, created the Virgin Islands Protective Association. This group worked to stop the mistreatment of people in their homeland.

The Power of Street Corner Speeches

As activists, Elizabeth Anna and other Virgin Islanders were very effective when speaking on street corners. These street corners became important places for new political ideas. They were where new social movements could be heard and gain supporters.

Authorities often blamed Caribbean immigrants for encouraging people to speak up in Harlem. Elizabeth Anna shared her strong ideas with many people who were eager to hear new ways of thinking. Because of this, Elizabeth Anna and other Virgin Islanders played a big part in shaping politics in New York City.