Harry Penn facts for kids

Dr. Harry Theodore Penn (born around 1902 in Lynchburg, Virginia – died May 8, 1963 in Roanoke) was an important dentist and community leader in Roanoke, Virginia. He worked hard to improve life for African Americans, especially during a time of segregation.

Education and Dental Career

Harry T. Penn went to Virginia University of Lynchburg (which was called Virginia Seminary back then). He then studied dentistry at Howard University College of Dentistry, graduating in 1931.

Dr. Penn became a very respected dentist. He also owned drug stores. He was a leader in the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., a group that helps African American men.

He later became the president of the National Dental Association. This was a big achievement. In 1958, he even represented the Association at a special meeting with Vice President Richard Nixon. This meeting was about making sure government contracts were fair to everyone, no matter their race.

Dr. Penn also led other dental groups, like the Western District Dental Society and the Old Dominion Dental Society. He was also the past president and chairman of the board for the Burrell Memorial Hospital.

Working for Change in Roanoke

Dr. Penn was very active in local politics and worked for civil rights. In 1948, he made history by joining the Roanoke School Board. He was the first African American person to serve on a school board in the southern United States.

He also tried to run for the Roanoke City Council several times, in 1942, 1944, and 1952, but he did not win.

Dr. Penn worked hard to help more African Americans register to vote in Virginia. He was elected to the "Allied Civic and Political Organization" to encourage 200,000 African Americans to vote.

He was a trustee for both the Burrell Memorial Hospital and the First Baptist Church (Roanoke, Virginia). He was very upset with how Virginia politicians supported segregation, which was the separation of people based on race. Because of this, he moved to Washington, D.C., in 1961, but he later came back to Roanoke.

Lemarco Manufacturing Company

Dr. Penn wanted to create jobs for African Americans in Roanoke, especially for women. So, he started the Lemarco Manufacturing Company. This company made dresses.

Many people in the community supported his idea. They bought shares in the company to help it get started. About 85 African Americans attended a meeting and applied for jobs. Dr. Penn hoped to hire about 60 people.

To get the business going, Dr. Penn even used his own home as a guarantee for a loan. He was trying to do something good to help people find work. However, the company faced many challenges and eventually closed down in 1960. Dr. Penn said it was due to his own illness, the high cost of training workers, and a company in New York that owed them money.

Community Activities

Dr. Penn was involved in many other community groups. In 1960, he was part of a special committee that worked to improve relationships between different races in Roanoke.

He also helped the local Boy Scouts of America as a training and program director. He was a member of the Roanoke Civic League and was active in the Democratic Party (United States). He even worked to help John F. Kennedy get elected president in 1960. He was also a past president of the Dinner Club of Roanoke.

In 1941, Dr. Penn was elected the first president of the Roanoke Colored Civic League. This group was formed to bring together different African American civic organizations.

He was also an active member of the Roanoke Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), a very important organization that fought for civil rights.

Legacy

Dr. Harry T. Penn left a lasting mark on Roanoke. Penn Hall at Patrick Henry High School (Roanoke, Virginia) is named in his honor. This building was named after him in 1975 to remember his important work as a dentist, businessman, and community leader. He was a strong voice against segregation and worked tirelessly to improve race relations in his city.