Lethia Cousins Fleming facts for kids

Lethia Cousins Fleming (born November 7, 1876 – died September 22, 1963) was an amazing African-American woman. She fought for women's right to vote, helped people as a social worker, and worked for equal rights. She was also involved in politics, especially with the Republican party, both in her city and across the country.

Lethia's Early Life and School

Lethia Cousins was born on November 7, 1876. Her hometown was Tazewell, Virginia. Her parents were James Archibald Cousins and Fannie Taylor Cousins. Lethia was the oldest of their eight children. Her father was a brick mason.

She went to high school in Ironton, Virginia. After that, she studied education at two colleges. She attended Morristown College in Tennessee. She also went to Bluefield State College in West Virginia.

Lethia's Teaching Career

After finishing her studies, Lethia became a teacher. She taught in schools in Virginia. Later, she taught in McDowell and Cabell counties in West Virginia. She helped many young students learn and grow.

Her Marriage and Family

On February 21, 1912, Lethia Cousins married Thomas "Tom" Wallace Fleming. Tom was a lawyer and a city councilman in Cleveland. This was Tom's second marriage. Lethia helped raise Tom's three children from his first marriage. Lethia and Tom did not have children of their own. She was also interested in the Baha'i Faith.

Lethia's Important Work

Lethia Fleming was a very active person. She worked hard to help her community. She also helped women get involved in politics.

Helping the Community

In 1914, Lethia became the head of the Board of Lady Managers. This group helped the Cleveland Home for Aged Colored People. She worked to make sure older people had a good place to live.

She also helped her husband, Tom Fleming, in his political campaigns. In 1915, she led a group of African-American women. They worked to get votes for Tom when he ran for City Council.

Working in Politics

Lethia Fleming was very active in national politics. Starting in 1920, she led campaigns for Black women. She helped three Republican presidential candidates. These were Warren G. Harding (1920), Herbert Hoover (1936), and Alfred M. Landon (1940). She encouraged many women to vote.

In 1929, Lethia tried to run for a seat on the Cleveland city council herself. She wanted to represent her community.

Social Work and Organizations

From 1931 to 1951, Lethia worked as a social worker. She helped children at the Cuyahoga County Child Welfare Board. She made sure children were safe and cared for.

Lethia was also a member of many important groups. She joined the Travelers Aid Society. She was part of the Cleveland office of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). This group fights for equal rights for African Americans. She was also a member of the Phillis Wheatley Association.

She was on the first board for the Negro Welfare Association. This group is now called the National Urban League. It helps people in cities. Lethia was also the first woman to be a trustee at Mt. Zion Congregational Church in Cleveland.

Lethia Cousins Fleming passed away on September 22, 1963, in Cleveland. She is buried at Lake View Cemetery. Her work helped many people and made a big difference.