Elizabeth Evelyn Wright facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Elizabeth Evelyn Wright
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| Born | April 3, 1872 |
| Died | December 14, 1906 |
| Resting place | Voorhees College |
| Alma mater | Tuskegee Institute |
| Occupation | Educator |
| Known for | Founding Voorhees College |
| Title | Principal |
| Spouse(s) | Martin A. Menafee |
| Parent(s) | John Wesley Wright and Virginia Rolfe |
Elizabeth Evelyn Wright (born April 3, 1872 – died December 14, 1906) was an amazing educator and humanitarian. She is best known for starting the Denmark Industrial Institute in Denmark, South Carolina. This school later grew into what we know today as Voorhees College, which is a special kind of school called a historically black college (HBCU). Elizabeth Evelyn Wright worked hard to create many schools for African-American children.
Contents
Early Life and Learning Journey
Growing Up in Georgia
Elizabeth Evelyn Wright was born on April 3, 1872, in a quiet, country area called Talbotton, Georgia. Her father, John Wesley Wright, was an African-American carpenter. Her mother, Virginia Rolfe, was a Cherokee woman. Elizabeth went to school in a church basement when she was young.
Studying at Tuskegee Institute
In 1888, when she was 16, Elizabeth started studying at the famous Tuskegee Institute. This school was led by the well-known educator Booker T. Washington. She attended classes at night. After two years, Elizabeth moved to Hampton County, South Carolina to help teach at a school for black children in a rural area. Sadly, that school was later burned down. After this, she returned to Tuskegee and finished her studies.
Building Schools and a Legacy
Starting Schools in South Carolina
Elizabeth was deeply inspired by her time at Tuskegee. She knew how important education was, so she decided to start her own schools. She tried to open several schools near Denmark, South Carolina. However, these early attempts faced many problems. Some schools were even burned down, possibly due to jealousy or other issues. She also started a night school for African-American men in Hampton County.
Founding Denmark Industrial School
In 1897, Elizabeth moved to Denmark, a small town in Bamberg County, South Carolina. There, she began a new school. She started it in a room above a store, with help from some important people in the community. She worked hard to raise money for her new project, which she called the Denmark Industrial School. This school was designed to be like the Tuskegee Institute, focusing on practical skills and education.
The Birth of Voorhees College
A kind couple named Ralph and his wife, who were philanthropists from Clinton, New Jersey, heard about Elizabeth's work. They donated $5,000 to help her buy land and build the first school building. In 1902, the Voorhees Industrial School officially opened its doors. It welcomed both boys and girls, offering classes from elementary to high school levels. Elizabeth Evelyn Wright became the school's first principal.
Mr. Voorhees continued to give more gifts to the school over the next few years. Because of his generous support, the state government officially named the school after him. For many years, this was the only high school available for black students in that area. Later, the school joined with the Protestant Episcopal Church and eventually grew into a fully recognized four-year college.
Later Life and Passing
In 1906, Elizabeth Evelyn Wright married Martin A. Menafee, who was the treasurer of Voorhees College. Not long after her marriage, she became very ill. She traveled to the famous Battle Creek Sanitarium in Michigan to get medical help. Sadly, she passed away there on December 14, 1906. Elizabeth Evelyn Wright was buried on the campus of Voorhees College, the school she worked so hard to create.
