H. T. Kealing facts for kids
Hightower Theodore Kealing, often called H.T. Kealing, was an important writer, teacher, and leader in the African Methodist Episcopal Church. He was born on April 1, 1859, and passed away on February 25, 1918. H.T. Kealing was born to parents who were formerly enslaved people. He was one of the first African Americans to go to school during the time called Reconstruction.
Kealing was very important in setting up schools for black children in Austin, Texas. Because of his hard work, the Austin ISD named its first junior high school for black students after him in 1930.
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Early Life and School Days
H.T. Kealing was born in Austin, Texas, on April 1, 1859. He went to public schools in Austin. After finishing school there, he went to Straight University in New Orleans, Louisiana. In 1875, he became a member of the African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.) Church.
Later, between 1875 and 1879, Kealing moved to Iowa. He studied at Tabor College, which is no longer open today. He graduated from Tabor College in 1881.
Career as an Educator
After graduating from Tabor College, Kealing moved to Waco, Texas. From 1881 to 1883, he was the president of Paul Quinn College.
In 1884, Kealing returned to Austin. He became the head of the Robertson Hill School. This was the first school created for black children in Austin. In 1889, the Robertson Hill School added a high school section. Black families in Austin paid extra taxes to make this happen, as public school money only went to white schools then. Kealing became the first principal of this new high school. In 1907, the Robertson Hill School was renamed Anderson High School.
Between 1890 and 1895, Kealing left his role as principal. He started spending more time helping freedmen (formerly enslaved people). He also focused more on his work with the A.M.E. Church.
Church Work and Activism
In 1896, H.T. Kealing became the editor of the A.M.E Church Review. This is a magazine that shares articles, sermons, and ideas about the African Methodist Episcopal Church. He worked as the editor until 1912.
In 1901, Kealing traveled to London, England. He spoke for the African Methodist Episcopal Church at a big meeting called The Third Ecumenical Methodist Conference.
In 1903, one of Kealing's essays was published. It was called The Characteristics of The Negro People. This essay was part of a book titled The Negro Problem: A Series of Articles by Representative American Negroes of Today. Other famous writers in the book included Booker T. Washington, W.E.B DuBois, Paul Lawrence Dunbar, and Charles Chesnutt.
Kealing was also a member of several important groups. These included the National Educational Association, The American Negro Academy, The National Negro Business League, and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.
Later Years and Lasting Impact
In 1910, H.T. Kealing became the president of Western University in Quindaro, Kansas. This university is no longer open. He stayed in this role until he passed away on February 25, 1918. While he was president, the university added a junior college and a school for religious studies.
In 1930, the city of Austin honored him by naming its first junior high school for black students after him.
Today, H.T. Kealing is remembered for his strong leadership. He helped build the school system for black children in Austin. He was also dedicated to the A.M.E. Church and worked hard to educate formerly enslaved people.
