Idella Jones Childs facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Idella Jones Childs
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| Born |
Idella Jones
June 21, 1903 Perry County, Alabama
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| Died | August 8, 1998 (aged 95) |
| Nationality | American |
| Alma mater | Alabama State University |
| Occupation | Educator, Social Activist |
| Spouse(s) | Norman Childs |
Idella Jones Childs (born June 21, 1903 – died August 8, 1998) was an important American educator and civil rights activist. She also worked as a historian. Idella Childs taught school for 35 years in Perry County, Alabama. During the Civil Rights Movement, her home was a secret meeting spot for people working to gain equal rights.
Idella Childs was the mother of Jean Childs Young. Jean later married Andrew Young, who became the mayor of Atlanta. Idella Childs helped get two places in Alabama listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This list helps protect important historical sites. She also became the first black woman to serve on the city council in Marion. In 2002, Childs was honored by being added to the Alabama Women's Hall of Fame. An award is now given in her name by the Alabama Historical Commission. It honors people who help save historic places important to African Americans.
Idella Childs' Early Life and Teaching Career
Idella Childs was born in Perry County, Alabama, on June 21, 1903. She lived her whole life there. She went to Lincoln Normal School and earned her teacher's certificate. Later, she studied elementary education at Alabama State University.
She married Norman Childs, and they had five children together. Idella earned her college degree after her first child was born. Her daughter, Jean Childs Young, was born in 1933. Idella Childs taught in segregated schools for over 35 years. She taught subjects like biology, algebra, history, and social studies.
Helping the Civil Rights Movement
During the Civil Rights Movement, Idella Childs' home became a safe meeting place. People working for civil rights in Marion would gather there. In 1979, President Jimmy Carter made her an honorary member of a special commission. This commission was for the International Year of the Child.
In 1982, she started the Perry County Arts and Humanities Council. She was also its first leader. In May 1985, she was chosen to fill a spot on the city council in Marion. This made her the first black woman to serve on that council. She was re-elected to the council in 1988.
Honoring History and Community
Also in 1988, Idella Childs was asked to join the board of the Alabama Historical Commission. She helped make sure two important buildings were added to the National Register of Historic Places. These were the First Congregational Church Building and the Mary Elizabeth Phillips Thompson Auditorium. Both are part of the Lincoln Normal School. In 1993, she received NASA's Unsung Heroes Award.
Idella Childs passed away on August 8, 1998. Many people attended a memorial service held at Lincoln Normal School to honor her. She was buried in the Marion Cemetery.
In 2002, she was inducted into the Alabama Women's Hall of Fame. Her son-in-law, Andrew Young, gave a speech at the ceremony. The Black Heritage Council of the Alabama Historical Commission gives out an award in her name. This award is called the Idella Childs Distinguished Service Award. It recognizes people who have helped save important African American historic places.
