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Elizabeth Ross Haynes
Elizabeth Ross Haynes.jpg
Born (1883-07-31)July 31, 1883
Died October 26, 1953(1953-10-26) (aged 70)
New York City
Nationality American
Education State Normal School of Montgomery
Alma mater Fisk University, Columbia University
Spouse(s) George Edmund Haynes
Scientific career
Fields sociology
Institutions Young Women's Christian Association,

Elizabeth Ross Haynes (1883–1953) was an important African American social worker, sociologist, and author. She worked hard to improve life for many people, especially Black women.

Early Life and Education

Elizabeth Ross was born on July 31, 1883. Her birthplace was Mount Willing, Alabama. Her parents, Henry and Mary Ross, had been enslaved before she was born.

Elizabeth was a very bright student. She was the top student in her class at the State Normal School of Montgomery. This means she was the valedictorian. She won a scholarship to Fisk University. She earned her first degree from Fisk in 1903. Later, from 1905 to 1907, she studied in Chicago during the summers. She attended graduate school at the University of Chicago.

Career and Contributions

Elizabeth Ross Haynes dedicated her life to helping others. She focused on improving opportunities for Black women.

Working with the YWCA

In 1908, Elizabeth made history. She became the first Black national secretary for the Young Women's Christian Association. The YWCA is an organization that helps women and girls. She played a big role in their programs.

Government Work and Advocacy

In 1910, she married George Edmund Haynes. He was a sociologist, someone who studies society. They had a son named George Jr. in 1912. Elizabeth volunteered for a group that later became the United States Women's Bureau. This bureau works to improve conditions for women in the workplace. She also became a secretary for the United States Employment Service. This service helps people find jobs.

In 1919, Elizabeth Ross Haynes spoke up for Black women. She joined Elizabeth Carter and Mary Church Terrell. They asked the International Congress of Working Women to create programs for Black women. This showed her strong commitment to equality.

Important Writings

Elizabeth Ross Haynes was also a talented writer. She wrote books that shared important stories.

Unsung Heroes

In 1921, she published a book called Unsung Heroes. This book shared the lives and achievements of African Americans. It highlighted people whose stories might not have been widely known.

Master's Degree and Thesis

Elizabeth continued her education at Columbia University. She earned her master's degree in 1923. Her master's paper was called "Two Million Negro Women at Work." This was a very important study. It looked at Black women and their jobs. It helped people understand the challenges and contributions of Black women in the workforce.

The Black Boy of Atlanta

In 1952, she published another book. It was called The Black Boy of Atlanta. This book was a biography of R.R. Wright. A biography tells the story of someone's life.

Later Life

Elizabeth Ross Haynes was elected to the national board of the YWCA in 1924. This showed her continued leadership. She passed away in New York City on October 26, 1953. Her work left a lasting impact on social justice and equality.

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