Jessie McGuire Dent facts for kids

Jessie McGuire Dent (born 1891, died 1948) was an important American teacher and civil rights activist. She was one of the 22 amazing women who started the Delta Sigma Theta sorority. Later, she bravely sued her school district in Galveston, Texas, to make sure Black teachers were paid fairly, just like white teachers.

Early Life and Education

Jessie McGuire Dent was born in Galveston, Texas, on March 24, 1891. She attended East District High School in Galveston, which was one of the first high schools for Black students in Texas. She graduated in 1908.

After high school, Jessie went to Howard University in Washington, D.C. She studied to become a teacher there.

Starting a New Sorority

While at Howard University, Jessie joined a sorority called Alpha Kappa Alpha. A sorority is a club for women, often at colleges, that focuses on friendship and community service.

However, Jessie and 21 other members felt that Alpha Kappa Alpha was mostly a social club. They wanted a group that would do more to help with important social issues of the time. These issues included the fight for women's right to vote (called the Women's Suffrage Movement) and challenges faced by Black Americans.

Because they wanted to make a bigger difference, Jessie and the 21 other women decided to start their own sorority. They named it Delta Sigma Theta. The word "Delta" means "change" in mathematics, showing their goal for change.

One of their first actions was to march in the Women's Suffrage Parade on March 3, 1913, in Washington, D.C. Jessie and other older members wore their graduation caps and gowns. They marched with famous civil rights leader Mary Church Terrell in a separate section for Black women.

Jessie McGuire Dent was also chosen as the first corresponding secretary for the Alpha chapter of Delta Sigma Theta. This meant she helped with important communications for the group.

A Dedicated Teacher and Community Leader

After graduating from Howard University in 1913, Jessie Dent returned to Galveston, Texas. She began teaching English and Latin at Central High School.

Jessie was very active in her community. She served as the Dean of Girls at Central High, helping guide young women. She also joined many important groups that worked for civil rights and community improvement. These included:

• The Colored Unit of the Women's Christian Temperance League
• The N.A.A.C.P. (a major civil rights organization)
• The Federation of Colored Women's Clubs
• The Colored Teachers State Association's Texas Commission on Democracy in Education

In 1929, Jessie McGuire married Thomas Henry Dent. They had a son, Thomas Henry Dent Jr.

Fighting for Equal Pay

When Jessie Dent started teaching in 1913, she earned $50 a month. By 1943, after 30 years of teaching, she was earning $1,548 a year. This was about 20% less than what white teachers in the same school district were paid. This was unfair.

Jessie Dent decided to take action. With her lawyer, William J. Durham, she sued the Galveston Public School System in federal court. She argued that paying Black teachers less was against their rights under the 14th Amendment, which promises equal protection under the law.

On June 15, 1943, Jessie Dent won her lawsuit! The court ruled in favor of Black teachers and school leaders. As a result, the school board had to make sure that Black and white teachers were paid equally by 1945.

Jessie Dent didn't stop there. She also continued to speak out for schools in Galveston to be integrated, meaning students of all races could learn together.

Today, the Galveston public school district is recognized for its strong financial management. Teachers there now earn fair salaries, which is a lasting result of Jessie Dent's brave fight for equal pay. The schools are also integrated, showing that her goal for all students to learn together has come true.

Jessie McGuire Dent passed away in Galveston, Texas, on March 12, 1948. Her legacy as a founder, teacher, and civil rights activist continues to inspire.