Isabel Washington Powell facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Isabel Washington Powell
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| Born |
Isabel Geraldine Washington
May 23, 1908 Savannah, Georgia, U.S.
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| Died | May 1, 2007 (aged 98) New York City, U.S.
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| Spouse(s) | Preston Webster Adam Clayton Powell Jr.
(m. 1933–1945) |
Isabel "Belle" Geraldine Washington Powell (born May 23, 1908 – died May 1, 2007) was a talented dancer, showgirl, and actress. She lived during an exciting time called the Harlem Renaissance, a period when Black art, music, and literature thrived. Isabel was also the first wife of Adam Clayton Powell Jr., who became a very important politician. After their marriage ended, she worked as a teacher in Harlem schools.
About Isabel Washington Powell
Early Life and Career
Isabel Washington was born on May 23, 1908, in Savannah, Georgia. She grew up there with her parents and eight brothers and sisters. Her mother, Harriet Washington, was a dancer, and her father, Robert T. Washington, worked for the post office.
After her mother passed away, Isabel and her older sister, Fredi Washington, went to a school called St. Elizabeth's Convent in Pennsylvania. Later, Isabel moved to New York City to live with Fredi. Fredi became a famous actress.
Isabel followed her sister into show business. She became a dancer and showgirl in many New York nightclubs. She also acted on Broadway stages. In 1929, she appeared in the movie St. Louis Blues with the famous singer Bessie Smith.
Isabel's first husband was a photographer named Preston Webster. They had one son together, who was also named Preston.
Marriage and Later Life
While dancing at the famous Cotton Club, Isabel met Reverend Adam Clayton Powell Jr. They got married in 1933 at the Abyssinian Baptist Church. Adam Clayton Powell Sr., Adam Jr.'s father, was the minister there.
Isabel helped her husband a lot in his early career. Adam Clayton Powell Jr. was elected to the New York City Council. He also became the main minister at the Abyssinian Baptist Church. In 1944, he was elected to the United States House of Representatives. This meant he became a lawmaker for the country.
In 1937, Isabel and Adam bought a house in Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts. This was a special community for African-Americans on Martha's Vineyard. They were married from 1933 until 1945.
After her divorce, Isabel Powell started a new career. She became a special education teacher, helping students with unique learning needs. She split her time between Harlem, New York, and Martha's Vineyard. Isabel Powell passed away on May 1, 2007, in Harlem, New York.
