Julia Britton Hooks facts for kids

Julia Britton Hooks (May 4, 1852 – March 9, 1942) was a talented musician and teacher. People called her the "Angel of Beale Street" because she helped so many people. She worked with young people, older adults, and those in need. Her work was highly respected in her home state of Kentucky and in Memphis, Tennessee.

Julia was a founding member of the Memphis branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). This group works for equal rights for all people. Her example inspired her grandson, Benjamin Hooks. He later became a leader of the NAACP from 1977 to 1992. Julia was also a strong leader for African-American women and worked hard for civil rights.

Julia Britton Hooks: A Champion for Change

Her Early Life and Talents

Julia Ann Amanda Moorehead Britton was born in Frankfort, Kentucky, on May 4, 1852. Her mother, Laura Marshall, was a very gifted singer and musician. Laura was also well-educated, even though she grew up enslaved. Julia's father, Henry Harrison Britton, was a carpenter and was born free. This meant Julia was born a free person, even though Kentucky was a slave state at the time.

Julia grew up in Lexington. She became known as a musical prodigy, meaning she was incredibly talented at music from a young age. She often played in concerts for wealthy white families. In 1859, she and her younger sister, Mary E. Britton, attended a special school in Lexington. Mary later became the first African-American female doctor in Kentucky.

College and Teaching Career

At eighteen, Julia Hooks attended Berea College. She was one of the first African-American women to go to college in Kentucky. Not only did she study there, but she also became the first African-American person to teach at Berea College. She taught music from 1870 to 1872. She was even the first African-American to teach white students at the college. Julia graduated in 1874. She was also active in music groups, like the Liszt Mullard club. They performed classical music in the community.

After college, Julia moved to Greenville, Mississippi, to teach. There, she married Sam Wertles. She also worked to help Blanche K. Bruce get elected to the Senate. After her husband died, she moved to Memphis, Tennessee, in 1876. She lived on Beale Street, a famous area for musicians. Julia became well-known for her social work in the community. By 1881, she started teaching in public schools again.

Fighting for Equal Rights

Julia married her second husband, Charles F. Hooks, in Memphis. Her grandson, Benjamin Hooks, remembered her as someone who was "born to rebel." He recalled times when she was arrested for breaking Jim Crow laws. These laws enforced racial segregation and discrimination.

Once, at a Memphis theater, Julia was told to sit in the "colored balcony." She had always sat in the main section before. She refused to leave and was carried out by two policemen. Julia was arrested and fined five dollars. She bravely fought against segregation in public schools. She also worked to improve facilities and stop unfair treatment of African-American children.

Helping Her Community

Julia Hooks did more than just fight for civil rights. She also dedicated herself to helping others. In 1907, she and her husband, who was a truant officer, supervised a center for young people. Julia treated these children with great care and understanding. She continued this work even after a difficult event in 1913.

The community admired her hard work and kindness. She served as an officer and later a consultant for the juvenile court. Julia also organized fundraising for the Old Folks and Orphans Home. She opened a private kindergarten and elementary school in her own home for African-American children. She also founded the Hooks School of Music.

In 1909, she became involved with the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). She also joined the suffrage movement, helping women gain the right to vote. She was also president of the Lexington Women's Improvement Club in Kentucky.

Julia Hooks was admired by her friends and family. Many family members followed her example. Ida B. Wells, another important activist and musician, also worked with Julia. Even though Julia was ten years older, they shared the same passion for equality.

See also

• Mary E. Britton
• Benjamin Hooks
• Ida B. Wells
• NAACP in Kentucky