Fannie C. Williams facts for kids

Fannie C. Williams (1882-1980) was an important American educator. She worked hard to improve schools and help her community, especially for African American students and teachers.

Early Life and Learning

Fannie C. Williams was born in 1882 in Biloxi, Mississippi. She moved to New Orleans to go to college. In 1904, she graduated from Straight College. This school later joined with Dillard University. Fannie continued her studies and in 1920, she earned two degrees from Michigan State College. She received a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Pedagogy, which is a degree in teaching.

Her First Teaching Jobs

After college, Fannie C. Williams began her career as a teacher. From 1904 to 1908, she taught in Gulfport and Pass Christian, Mississippi. Then, she moved to Albion, Michigan. There, she taught at Fisk Elementary from 1908 to 1917.

Making a Difference in Education

In 1921, Fannie C. Williams returned to New Orleans. She started teaching at Valena C. Jones Normal School. This school was special because it trained African-American teachers. It helped them get certified to work in public schools. Later, Fannie became the principal of this school.

As principal, she really wanted her students to help their community. She encouraged them to visit elderly people and give them flowers. Fannie also played a big part in creating nurseries and kindergarten classes for African Americans in the public school system.

She also started an annual Child Health Day. On this day, doctors and nurses would visit schools. They would offer free health services to the children. Fannie also made sure students had healthy food. She provided milk and hot lunches to help them eat well.

What is Her Legacy?

Fannie C. Williams is remembered for her amazing work in education and community service. In New Orleans, she helped start and lead the African-American branch of the New Orleans YWCA. She was a charter member and president of its Board of Management.

She also started a Health Program that led to Child Health Day. This special day was held on May 1st of each school year. Fannie was also part of many other groups. These included the Board of Directors of the Orleans Neighborhood Center, the Family Service Society, and the Girl Scouts.

In 1977, she received awards from the American Teachers Association and the National Teacher's Association. Fannie C. Williams passed away in 1980 when she was 98 years old.

Her influence reached far beyond the schools in New Orleans. She took part in three White House Conferences. These were held during the presidencies of Herbert Hoover, Franklin Roosevelt, and Harry Truman. Fannie also served as president of the National Association of Teachers in Colored Schools. She was on the board of directors for Dillard University and Flint-Goodridge Hospital. She also advised the Department of Public Welfare.

To honor her contributions to education, Dillard University opened the Fannie C. Williams Hall. This building was named after her in 1946 and 1950. It was a way to show how much they valued her work. In 1961, Dillard University also gave her the Distinguished Alumni Award.