Helen G. Edmonds facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Helen G. Edmonds
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| Born | December 3, 1911 |
| Died | May 9, 1995 (aged 83) |
| Nationality | American |
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| Occupation | Professor |
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| Institutions | North Carolina Central University |
| Thesis | 'The Negro and Fusion Politics in North Carolina, 1894-1901' |
Helen Grey Edmonds (born December 3, 1911 – died May 9, 1995) was an amazing American historian and leader. She was the first African-American woman to achieve many important things. For example, she was the first to earn a special high degree (a doctorate) from Ohio State University. She was also the first to lead a graduate school as a dean. And she was the first to support a U.S. president's nomination at a big political meeting.
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Early Life and Education
Helen Edmonds was born on December 3, 1911, in Lawrenceville, Virginia. Her parents were John Edward and Ann Williams Edmonds. She had two siblings, Lucille and Harry. Helen went to Saint Paul's High School and Junior College in her hometown.
She later attended Morgan State College in Baltimore. She earned her first degree, a Bachelor of Arts in History, in 1933. Helen then continued her studies at Ohio State University. She received her Master of Arts degree in History in 1938. In 1946, she earned her Ph.D. (doctorate) from the same university. She was the first black woman to achieve a Ph.D. there.
Her Ph.D. paper was called The Negro and Fusion Politics in North Carolina, 1894–1901. This paper was later published as her first book in 1951. From 1954 to 1955, Helen did more advanced research. She studied at the University of Heidelberg in West Germany.
A Career in Education
From 1934 to 1935, Helen Edmonds taught at the Virginia Theological Seminary and College. She taught history, Latin, and Greek subjects there. In 1941, she joined the faculty at North Carolina College. This school is now known as North Carolina Central University. She taught there until she retired in 1977.
During her time at the university, she held many important roles. She was a history professor from 1941 to 1977. She also led the Department of History from 1963 to 1964. From 1964 to 1971, she was the Dean of the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. In 1989, a building on the campus was named after her to honor her work.
Helen Edmonds traveled widely to share her knowledge. She gave lectures at over 100 colleges and universities. These talks were given in the United States and other countries. She also served on the Board of Trustees for several schools. These included North Carolina Central University (after she retired), Saint Paul's College, and Voorhees College. She received eight special honorary degrees during her life.
From 1970 to 1974, Helen was the president of The Links, Inc.. This is an organization mainly for African American women. She also served on the boards of many other groups. These included the United Negro College Fund and the NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund.
Civic and Political Work
Helen Edmonds was very active in the Republican Party. At the Republican National Convention in 1956, she made history. She was the first black woman to second the nomination of a U.S. presidential candidate. This candidate was Dwight D. Eisenhower.
In 1970, Helen served as a special representative. She went to the United Nations General Assembly. This is where countries discuss important global issues. She led the United States group for the Third Committee of the United Nations. President Richard Nixon also appointed her to the National Advisory Council of the Peace Corps. The Peace Corps is a program where Americans volunteer to help people in other countries. President Nixon praised Helen for her service.
Later Life and Legacy
Helen G. Edmonds passed away on May 9, 1995. She was 83 years old. She died at Duke University Hospital in Durham, North Carolina.
Awards and Honors
Helen Edmonds received many awards and honors for her contributions:
- University Distinguished Professor, North Carolina Central University
- Eight honorary degrees from various institutions
- Award of Scholarly Distinction from the American Historical Association
- Distinguished Woman of North Carolina
- 1975 – O. Max Gardner Award for "greatest contribution to the welfare of the human race"
- 1977 – The Helen G. Edmonds Graduate Colloquium of History was started. This is an annual conference created by her former students.
- 1982 – Candace Award for History
