Josephine Bond Hebron facts for kids
Josephine (Josie) Bond Hebron (born November 22, 1894 – died February 1982) was an amazing African-American woman. She was a keen traveler, a smart businesswoman, and a talented writer and publisher. Josie was also related to famous musicians. Her cousin was the composer and pianist Carl Rossini Diton. Her brother, John Harvey Hebron, was also a composer and pianist. He even taught and played piano for the famous singer Marian Anderson.
Early Life and Family
Josephine Bond Hebron was born in 1894 and lived until 1982. She married Paul Farwell Keene Sr. Together, they had four children. They had two boys and two girls. One of their sons grew up to be a well-known artist named Paul F. Keene Jr..
A Business Leader
Josie Hebron was a very active person. She and her husband started a funeral home in Philadelphia. This was a big step in her business career.
Later, Josie helped create a very important group. This group was called the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women's Clubs, Incorporated (NANBPWC, Inc.). It was formed in July 1935. This organization brought together Black business and professional women from different cities. They wanted to support each other and work together.
The idea for this national group came from Ollie Chinn Porter. She was the president of the New York Club. She invited other local clubs to join.
Who Were the Founders?
Many inspiring women helped start NANBPWC, Inc.
- From New York City: Emma Odessa Young, Ollie Chinn Porter, and Effie Diton.
- From Philadelphia: Bertha Perry Rhodes, Josephine B. Keene (Josie herself), and Adelaide Flemming.
- From Atlantic City: Pearl Flippen.
Writer and Traveler
Josie Hebron also loved to write and publish. In 1939, she wrote a special book. It was called the Directory of Negro business and professional women of Philadelphia and vicinity. This book helped people find and connect with Black businesswomen in her area.
Besides her work, Josephine loved to travel. She explored many different places. She visited the West Indies, which are islands in the Caribbean Sea. She also traveled to countries in Europe. She enjoyed seeing new cultures and places around the world.
