Henrietta Bell Wells facts for kids
Henrietta Bell Wells (born October 11, 1912 – died February 27, 2008) was an amazing debater. She made history as the first girl to join the debate team at Wiley College. This college is a historically black college located in Texas. Henrietta was born Henrietta Pauline Bell in Houston, Texas, near the Buffalo Bayou. Her mother was from the West Indies.
Contents
Her Time as a Debater
During her year on the debate team, Henrietta helped Wiley College achieve great success. They won against some of the best historically black colleges. These included Tuskegee University and Howard University.
Making History in Debates
In 1930, Henrietta and her team made history. They took part in the first college debate between white and African American students. They debated against students from the Law School at the University of Michigan. This was a very important moment!
Why She Left the Team
Even though the team was very successful, Henrietta could only be on the debate team for one year. She faced money problems that made it hard to continue her education. She had to work to support herself and keep studying.
Life After Debating
Henrietta Bell married a man named Rev. Wallace L. Wells. He was also an Episcopalian, which is a type of Christian faith. After her time at Wiley College, Henrietta became a social worker and a teacher.
Where She Lived and Worked
She lived and worked in several cities across the United States. These included Gary, Indiana, Houston, Texas, Birmingham, Alabama, and New Orleans, Louisiana.
Building a Church
While living in Gary, Indiana, Henrietta and her husband helped build a special church. It was called St. Augustine's Episcopal Church (Gary, Indiana). This church is known for its unique design.
Dean of Women
Later in her life, Mrs. Wells worked at Dillard University in New Orleans. She held an important job there as the Dean of Women. This meant she helped guide and support the female students.
Her Legacy and the Movie
Henrietta Bell Wells passed away on February 27, 2008. She was 95 years old. She is buried in Paradise North Cemetery in Houston, Texas.
The Great Debaters
Her life story inspired a character in a famous movie. The 2007 movie, The Great Debaters, featured a character named Samantha Booke. This character, played by Jurnee Smollett, was based loosely on Henrietta Wells. Henrietta even shared that she told Denzel Washington, who directed the movie, to also play her team's coach, Melvin B. Tolson, in the film.
