Ione Wood Gibbs facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ione Wood Gibbs
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Ione E. Wood Gibbs, from a 1910 publication
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Ione Elveda Wood
c. 1871 Burlington, New Jersey, U.S.
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| Died | June 1923 Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S.
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| Nationality | American |
| Other names | Ione E. Wood, Ione E. Gibbs (after marriage) |
| Occupation | Journalist, clubwoman |
| Years active | 1888–1914 |
Ione Elveda Wood Gibbs (born around 1871, died June 1923) was an important American woman. She was a teacher, a writer, and a leader in women's clubs. She worked hard to help her community. From 1912 to 1914, she was the vice-president of the National Association of Colored Women. This group helped Black women across the United States.
Early Life and Education
Ione Elveda Wood was born in Burlington, New Jersey. Her parents were George Wood and Emma Simmons Wood. She went to high school in Atlantic City.
Ione's uncle, William J. Simmons, was the president of Kentucky Normal and Theological Institute. She attended this school and trained to become a teacher. She earned her degree in 1888.
Making a Difference
Ione Wood started teaching at the Kentucky Normal and Theological Institute when she was still a teenager. She also wrote articles for different publications. From 1888 to 1891, she worked for Our Women and Children. This was a Baptist women's magazine run by her uncle. People at the time said she was one of the best women writers and a strong supporter of her race.
After she got married, Ione Gibbs became very active in clubs. She joined the Ada Sweet Pioneer Club in Minneapolis. This club focused on literature and music. In 1905, she became the first president of the Minnesota State Federation of Afro-American Women's Clubs. This happened because Black women's groups were not allowed to join the existing Minnesota Federation of Women's Clubs.
Ione Gibbs was a leader for many years. From 1912 to 1914, she was the vice-president of the National Association of Colored Women. This was a big national group that worked for the rights and progress of Black women. She also wrote an important essay called "Woman's Part in the Uplift of the Negro Race" in 1907. This essay was published all over the country and is still read today.
Family Life
Ione Wood married Jasper Gibbs in 1890. Jasper owned a restaurant. They had five sons together: Jasper, Hiram, Morris, Mark, and Wendell. The family lived in Minneapolis. Ione Wood Gibbs passed away in 1923.
