Juanita Gray facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Juanita Gray
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| Born | June 28, 1916 |
| Died | July 8, 1987 (age 71) |
| Occupation | Librarian |
| Spouse(s) | George W. Gray Jr. |
Juanita Ross Gray (born June 28, 1916 – died July 8, 1987) was a special librarian in Denver, Colorado. She was famous for helping people in her community. She worked hard to make sure everyone had access to books and learning. Juanita Gray made a big difference in Denver, especially for young people and the Black community.
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Early Life and Learning
Juanita Ross Gray was born on June 28, 1916, in Atlanta, Georgia. She went to Clark College in Atlanta and studied English. She also continued her education at the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Denver.
On December 25, 1938, she married George W. Gray Jr. in Atlanta. They had two children together. Before becoming a librarian, she even worked as a sales representative for a company called Hamilton Management Corp.
Helping the Community
Juanita Gray was very active in her community. She joined many groups and committees to help people. She was a member of:
- Denver Cosmopolitan Club
- National Committee on School Drop-Outs
- Denver Commission on Community Relations
- Wheatley YWCA
- National Committee on the Employment of Youth
- East Denver Dropout Committee
- Colorado Women's Committee on civil rights
Working with Schools
Gray was well known for her work with the Denver Schools. She even ran to be on the Denver Board of Education. She also served as the vice president of the Denver Parent-Teacher Association. This shows how much she cared about students and their education.
Colorado Governor Stephen McNichols chose her to be part of the Colorado State Junior College Committee. This committee helped guide junior colleges in the state.
Library Outreach Work
From 1971 to 1977, Juanita Gray worked for the Denver Public Library. Her main focus was reaching out to the Black community. She wanted to make sure everyone felt welcome and could use the library's resources.
She was given the Nell I. Scott Memorial Award for her amazing outreach work. One of her big achievements was creating a tutoring program at Warren Library. In this program, eighth graders helped fourth graders who needed extra help with reading.
State and National Recognition
Governor Dick Lamm appointed Juanita Gray to several important state boards. These included the Colorado Centennial Bicentennial Commission and the Colorado Historic Preservation Review Board. He also appointed her to the National Endowment for the Humanities State Review Board. Governor Lamm even gave her a special National Centennial Bicentennial medal.
Juanita Gray also worked hard to honor important people. She convinced the Denver School Board to name a new elementary school in Montbello after Mrs. Jessie Maxwell. Mrs. Maxwell was the first Black person to become a school principal in Colorado.
Awards and Honors
Juanita Gray received many awards for her dedication and hard work. These awards recognized her efforts to help others and improve her community:
- Cosmopolitan Humanitarian Award
- Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Woman of the Year Award
- Syl Morgan Foundation Woman of the Year Award
- Barney Ford Human Rights Award
- Thomas Jefferson Centennial Leader Award
- Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Outstanding Woman Award
- Denver Club's Woman of the Year Award
- EDEN Theatrical Workshop Award
- Colorado State Elks Woman of the Year Award
- Esquire Club's Harriet Tubman Award
- Denver Public Library's Blacks in Colorado Hall of Fame (after her death)
Her Lasting Impact
Juanita Gray passed away on July 8, 1987, after an automobile accident.
The Denver Public Library continues to honor her memory every year. They give out the Juanita Gray Community Service Award. This award celebrates community leaders who show the same pioneering spirit and dedication that Juanita Gray did. For over 30 years, this award has kept her legacy alive.
