Louise Archer facts for kids
Louise A. Reeves Archer (born October 23, 1893 – died April 1, 1948) was an amazing American teacher. She was also an activist who worked hard to educate African American students. This was during the 1930s and 1940s. At that time, unfair rules called racial barriers made it very hard for black students to get a good education. They often had fewer school supplies and resources. Many could not go to school past the seventh grade. This was even though most other students went through twelve grades.
Louise Archer was a very dedicated teacher. She helped bring the African American community in Vienna, Virginia, together. They all worked to support their local school.
Early Life and Education
Louise Reeves grew up in North Carolina. She went to college at Livingstone College. After finishing her studies, she became a teacher. She taught school in Southampton County, Virginia. In 1915, she married Romulus C. Archer Jr. They moved to Washington, D.C., in 1922. Louise Archer kept learning and later earned a Bachelor of Science degree. She got this degree from Morgan State College.
Making a Difference in Education
In 1922, Louise Archer started teaching in Vienna. She was also the principal of a one-room school. This school was only for African American students. She cared deeply about her students. Sometimes, she would even drive children to school herself. She always tried to make their learning experience better.
She created a Parent-Teacher Association (PTA). This group helped raise money for school supplies. They also worked to get a new school building. A new, bigger school with three rooms opened in 1939. In 1941, students, parents, and teachers worked together. They raised $300. This money helped pay for a music teacher and bus costs. It also bought kitchen supplies and added electric lights to the school.
Louise Archer also started one of the first 4-H Clubs for African American children. This was in Fairfax County. Her students worked on garden projects. They grew vegetables to use for lunches at school.
She made sure her students received a high-quality education. Besides regular school subjects, she taught sewing, cooking, music, and poetry. She taught these skills to students in fifth through seventh grades. At that time, this was the highest level of public education available to African Americans in the county.
After Louise Archer passed away, families asked the county to name the school after her. The school was renamed Louise Archer Elementary School in 1950. Today, Louise Archer Elementary School still remembers her great service. They have an annual celebration in her honor.
Louise Archer died on April 1, 1948, from a heart attack.
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