Ella Barksdale Brown facts for kids

Ella Barksdale Brown was an important American woman. She worked as an activist, teacher, and journalist. She also fought for women's right to vote. She was one of the first students to graduate from Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia.

Her Life Story

Early Years and Education

Ella Barksdale was born on June 22, 1871. Her birthplace was Milledgeville, Georgia. Her parents, Jefferson and Julia Lamar Barksdale, were formerly enslaved people. Ella went to college and was part of the very first group of students. They graduated from Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia.

Moving to New Jersey

In 1898, Ella married John M. Brown in Georgia. A few years later, in 1901, they moved to Jersey City, New Jersey. John found work there at the Pullman Company. Ella and John had four children together. Their names were Marcia, Jefferson Barksdale, Mildred, and Miriam.

Her Important Work

A Voice Through Writing

Ella Barksdale Brown was a talented journalist. She wrote for important newspapers like The Chicago Defender. She also wrote for The New York Amsterdam News. She even had her own column in the Jersey Journal. Through her writing, she shared important messages.

A Dedicated Educator

Besides writing, Ella was a well-known teacher. She taught in Jersey City high schools. She also taught in the local community. People say she helped bring African-American studies into Jersey City public schools. She gave many talks about African American history. Schools and community groups often invited her to speak.

Fighting for Rights

Ella was very active in many groups. She worked with the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). This group fights for civil rights. She was also part of the Circle for Negro War Relief. She joined the New Jersey Civil Rights Bureau. And she was involved with the National Association of Colored Women.

Her work with these groups made her well-known. She met many important civil rights leaders. These included W.E.B. Dubois and Booker T. Washington. She also knew Paul Robeson and James Weldon Johnson.

Honoring History

Ella Barksdale Brown also helped make history. She worked to have March 5th recognized. This day honors Crispus Attucks in New Jersey. Crispus Attucks was an important figure in American history. Thanks to her efforts, the New Jersey Federation officially named March 5th as Crispus Attucks Day in 1949.