Jewel Freeman Graham facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jewel Freeman Graham
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|---|---|
| Born |
Precious Jewel Freeman
May 3, 1925 |
| Died | November 30, 2015 (aged 90) |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | B.S., sociology and psychology, Fisk University M.S., social service administration, Case Western Reserve University Juris Doctor, University of Dayton |
| Occupation | Professor of social work and legal studies |
| Years active | 1969–1986 |
| Employer | Antioch College |
| Known for | President, World YWCA (1987–1991) |
| Spouse(s) | Paul Nathaniel Graham |
| Children | 2 |
| Parent(s) | Robert Lee and Lulabelle Freeman |
Jewel Freeman Graham (born Precious Jewel Freeman; May 3, 1925 – November 30, 2015) was an important American educator, social worker, and lawyer. She was a professor at Antioch College in Yellow Springs, Ohio. She made history as the second Black woman to lead the World YWCA, a global organization that helps women and girls. In 2008, she was honored by being added to the Ohio Women's Hall of Fame.
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About Jewel Freeman Graham
Jewel Freeman was born on May 3, 1925, in Springfield, Ohio. Her parents were Robert Lee and Lulabelle Freeman. She grew up in a city where people of different races were kept separate by law and custom.
Her Education Journey
Jewel was very smart and earned a scholarship to Fisk University. In 1946, she graduated with a bachelor's degree in studying how societies work (sociology) and how people think (psychology). She continued her studies at Howard University and later earned a master's degree in social service administration from Case Western Reserve University in 1953.
In 1953, she married Paul Nathaniel Graham, who was a chemist. They had two sons. In 1956, they moved to Yellow Springs, Ohio.
Her Journey with the YWCA
Jewel Graham's connection with the YWCA started when she was a teenager in 1939. She joined the YWCA Girl Reserves in Springfield. After college, she worked with teen programs for the YWCA in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and later in Detroit.
Leading the YWCA in the USA
From 1970 to 1989, she was a member of the board of directors for the YWCA USA. She became vice-president in 1973. In 1979, she was chosen as the president of the YWCA USA. She was the second Black woman to hold this important position. She served as national president for two terms, each lasting three years.
Leading the World YWCA
Jewel Graham also became involved with the World YWCA in 1975. This organization works with YWCA groups all over the world. In 1987, she was elected president of the World YWCA. Again, she was the second Black woman to achieve this role. She served for five years until 1991.
Teaching and Law Career
In 1964, Jewel Graham joined Antioch College as part of the administration. She directed a program focused on education for different races from 1965 to 1969. Later, she became a social work advisor. In 1969, she received a special grant to start a social work program for college students at Antioch. She taught as a professor of social welfare from 1969 until she retired in 1986.
Becoming a Lawyer
Jewel Graham believed that social workers needed to understand the legal system. So, in the 1970s, at age 50, she went back to school. She earned a law degree (Juris Doctor) from the University of Dayton. After passing the Ohio bar exam, she helped create a new study program at Antioch College. This program combined social work with legal studies, helping students understand both fields.
Memberships and Honors
Jewel Graham was a founding member of the National Association of Social Workers. She was also a lifelong member of the National Council of Negro Women. From 1994 to 1996, she served on the board of directors for Antioch College.
Awards and Recognition
Jewel Graham received many awards for her work:
- In 1988, she was inducted into the Ohio Women's Hall of Fame.
- In 1982, she was also named to the Greene County Women's Hall of Fame.
- In 1987, the Dayton Daily News named her one of the "Ten Top Women."
- In 1985, the Ohio House of Representatives passed a resolution to honor her leadership in the YWCA.
- In 1975, the Miami Valley Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers named her "Social Worker of the Year."
She was listed in many "Who's Who" books, which recognize important people in different fields. In 1991, she received an honorary doctorate degree from the Meadville Lombard Theological School.
Later Life
In 2002, Jewel Graham had a heart attack but recovered well. She wrote a book about her life called The Life of My Times, 1925–2000. She passed away at her home on November 30, 2015.
