Emma Gresham facts for kids

Emma Rene Gresham (April 13, 1925 – March 2, 2018) was an American teacher and a brave politician. She became the mayor of Keysville, Georgia, and worked hard to bring important services to her town.

Early Life and Education

Emma Gresham was born in Reidsville, Georgia. Her parents were Herman and Ida Clark Rhodes. She was a very bright student. At just 15 years old, she graduated from Boggs Academy. She was the salutatorian of her class, which means she was the second-highest-ranking student. Later, in 1953, she graduated with honors from Paine College. In 1942, she married Quinten Gresham Sr.

Before becoming a mayor, Mrs. Gresham was a dedicated teacher for over 32 years. She taught elementary school students with special needs. She worked in cities like Talladega, Alabama, and Augusta, Georgia.

Fighting for Keysville

In 1985, Emma Gresham learned something surprising about her hometown, Keysville, Georgia. The town's government had stopped working way back in 1933. This meant Keysville didn't have a mayor or a town council. Mrs. Gresham decided to run for mayor to help her community.

She won the election, but her victory was challenged. A judge in Augusta took away the city's charter, which is like its official permission to be a town. This meant Keysville was no longer officially a city. This happened just five hours after she became mayor!

Restoring the Town

The story of Emma Gresham and Keysville gained national attention in 1989. People across the country heard about her fight. An old resident, 93-year-old Henry Key, had a tape-recorded oral history that helped. This recording helped the town figure out its original boundary lines.

Because of this new evidence, a federal court supported the elections. On June 4, 1990, the Supreme Court of the United States agreed with the lower court's decision. This meant Emma Gresham was officially the mayor of Keysville.

Mayor Gresham's Achievements

Emma Gresham served as mayor of Keysville for 20 years, until 2005. During her time as mayor, she made many important changes. She helped Keysville get a working water and sewer system. The town also got street lights, a fire department, and a library.

She also helped establish a post office and a wastewater treatment plant. Keysville even got an after-school program for kids and a municipal building for town meetings. Her hard work truly transformed Keysville.

Legacy and Recognition

Emma Gresham was a very important figure in Georgia's history. She was the second African American woman to be a chief elected official in Georgia. She was also very active in her church, Mt. Tabor African Methodist Episcopal Church. She was a lifelong member and a leader there for three generations.

Mrs. Gresham received many awards for her dedication and service. She earned an Essence Award, was recognized as one of the "One Hundred Eckerd Women," and was named a "Drum Major for Justice" by the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC).

Emma and her husband, Quinten Gresham Sr., had five children: Quinten Gresham Jr., Ida LaVerne Comer, Lola Scott Russell, Harold Gresham, and Kay Gresham.