Lydia Meredith facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Lydia Mitcham Meredith
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| Personal details | |
| Born | May 3, 1952 |
| Occupation | American author and CEO |
Lydia Mitcham Meredith, born on May 3, 1952, is an American author. She was also the leader of a special learning center in Atlanta, Georgia, called the Renaissance Learning Center (RLC). She is known for helping her community, starting businesses, and working for civil rights. She once ran a center for young children in downtown Atlanta. Lydia Meredith was even featured on a TV show for making her center a very safe place for everyone.
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Making a Difference
Lydia Meredith led the daily work of the Renaissance Learning Center (RLC). This center was in the 4th Ward community of Atlanta, Georgia. Most of the students at the RLC came from homes with very little money.
Helping Kids and Families
The RLC had a program called Teen Talk. This program taught over 2,000 teenagers important life skills. The center helped more than 3,000 young students get ready for kindergarten. The RLC also helped 2,500 school-aged children move up to the next grade. All of these children went on to high school.
Every day, about 500 children and adults were helped by the RLC. The Renaissance Learning Center's services helped 15,000 families improve their lives. Former Georgia Governor Roy Barnes recognized Lydia Meredith for her community work. The RLC received the Childhood Hero Award for helping the youth in the community.
Early Life and School
Lydia Meredith is one of thirteen children. Her parents were Wilbur Mitcham and Annie M. Mitcham.
Breaking Barriers
Lydia Meredith was one of the first Black students to attend Lasseter High School in Macon, Georgia. This school used to be only for white students. She also became the first cheerleader for Mark Smith High School. This was an all-white male school.
Lydia graduated from Lasseter High School with honors. In 1970, she was accepted into Vanderbilt University. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in industrial engineering. In 1972, she also became Vanderbilt University's first African American cheerleader.
Continuing Her Education
Lydia Meredith continued her studies and earned an MBA from Vanderbilt's Owen Graduate School of Management. She also holds two other master's degrees. One is in Christian education from the Morehouse School of Religion. The other is in public policy from Georgia State University's Andrew Young School of Policy Studies.
