Jesse E. Moorland facts for kids

Jesse Edward Moorland (born September 10, 1863 – died April 30, 1940) was an important American minister, community leader, and a passionate book collector. He worked hard to help African American communities grow stronger and access education.

Early Life and Education

Jesse Moorland was born in Coldwater, Ohio, in 1863. He grew up as the only child in a farming family. He attended Northwestern Normal University in Ada, Ohio, to further his education.

Later, Moorland moved to Washington D.C.. There, he studied at the Theological department of Howard University. He earned his master's degree in 1891. After his studies, he became a minister in the Congregational Church. In the same year, he started working as a secretary for the YMCA (Young Men's Christian Association) in Washington D.C.

Working for the Community

Jesse Moorland was very dedicated to helping African American social groups. He believed these groups were key to building strong communities. In the 1890s, he was involved with the National Afro-American League. He also supported the National Health Circle for Colored People.

The Moorland–Spingarn Research Center

Moorland was a huge collector of books. He had a very large private library filled with books about Black people in Africa and the United States. In 1914, Kelly Miller, a well-known African American thinker, convinced Moorland to donate his amazing collection.

This collection became the starting point for a new "Negro-Americana Museum and Library" at Howard University. Today, this important collection is known as the Moorland–Spingarn Research Center. It is a vital place for studying African American history and culture.

Founding the ASNLH

Jesse Moorland also helped create another very important organization. In 1915, he co-founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH). He started this group with Carter G. Woodson, who is often called the "Father of Black History." This association works to research and share the history of African Americans.

Personal Life and Legacy

In 1885, Jesse Moorland married Lucy C. Woodson in Ohio. He was also a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity. Jesse Moorland passed away in New York City in 1940, at the age of 76. His work in community leadership, his dedication to collecting historical books, and his role in founding important organizations left a lasting impact on African American studies and community strength.