Ethel Cuff Black facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ethel Cuff Black
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Ethel Cuff Black, from the 1915 yearbook of Howard University
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| Born |
Ethel L. Cuff
October 17, 1890 |
| Died | September 17, 1977 (aged 86) |
| Occupation | Educator |
| Known for | Co-founder of Delta Sigma Theta |
Ethel Cuff Black (born October 17, 1890 – died September 17, 1977) was a very important woman. She was one of the people who helped start Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. This is a special group for college women.
Ethel was chosen as the sorority's first vice president. She also took part in their first public event. This was the Woman Suffrage Procession in Washington, D.C. It happened in March 1913. This parade was about women getting the right to vote. A famous leader named Mary Church Terrell helped the Deltas join the parade. They were the only African-American group marching that day.
Contents
About Ethel Cuff Black
Her Early Life and School
Ethel L. Cuff was born in Wilmington, Delaware. Her birthday was October 17, 1890. Her father, Richard Cuff, worked as a tanner. This means he prepared animal skins for leather. He worked for a business owned by African Americans. Ethel's grandfather fought in the American Civil War.
Ethel went to the Industrial School for Colored Youth. This school was in Bordentown, New Jersey. She was a top student and graduated with the highest grades.
College Years and New Beginnings
Ethel then went to Howard University. While there, she was a leader in the college's YWCA chapter. The YWCA helps young women grow and learn. She was also the vice-president of another sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha.
Later, Ethel and 21 other women decided to create a new sorority. They wanted to form a group that better fit their goals. This new group became Delta Sigma Theta. Ethel graduated from Howard University in 1915. She had to take a little longer to finish due to an illness.
Her Career and Family
Ethel Cuff Black made history in Rochester, New York. She was the first African-American teacher in that city. She taught many students there. In 1939, she married David Horton Black. He worked as a real estate agent.
