Mabel Walker (suffragist) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mabel Walker
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| Born |
Mabel Cordelia Holloway
May 2, 1902 |
| Died | July 8, 1987 (aged 85) |
| Nationality | American-Bahamian |
| Alma mater | Howard University |
| Occupation | Educator |
| Known for | founding president of the Bahamas Union of Teachers |
| Spouse(s) | Claudius Roland Walker |
| Children | 7 |
Mabel Cordelia Holloway Walker (May 2, 1902 – July 8, 1987) was an important American-Bahamian leader. She helped start the Bahamas Union of Teachers. This made her the first woman to lead a trade union in The Bahamas. A trade union is a group that helps workers get fair pay and good working conditions.
Mabel Walker also worked with other brave women like Mary Ingraham, Georgianna Symonette, and Eugenia Lockhart. Together, they began the Women's Suffrage Movement. This movement fought for all adults to have the right to vote. In 2012, The Bahamas honored these women with special postage stamps. Mabel Walker was featured on a 50-cent stamp.
Contents
Mabel Walker's Early Life and School
Mabel Cordelia Holloway was born in Greenville, South Carolina on May 2, 1902. Her father was Reverend Elias B. Holloway. She was one of nine children in her family.
As a child, Mabel went to elementary school in Greenville. She later attended high school in Oberlin, Ohio.
College Years and Meeting Her Husband
Mabel went to Howard University in Washington, D.C. There, she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. While at Howard, she met Claudius Roland Walker. He was studying for a Bachelor of Science degree. Claudius was born in Nassau, The Bahamas, on May 6, 1897.
During her college years, Mabel was active in the Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA). She went to many YWCA meetings and events.
After college, Mabel married Claudius. She worked at a YWCA in New Jersey. At this time, her husband was studying medicine in Nashville, Tennessee. Mabel also studied Arts and Crafts and painting on her own. After Claudius finished his medical studies, the couple moved to The Bahamas.
Mabel Walker's Career in Education
After moving to The Bahamas, Mabel Walker became very involved in teaching. First, she opened a pre-school. She also helped Claudius teach classes for adults at The Bahamas Technical Institute.
Later, Mabel became a teacher in the local school system. She taught at Southern Preparatory School and Western Senior and Junior schools. She was then promoted to be the Headmistress of Woodcock Primary School. Mabel retired from teaching in 1962.
Founding the Bahamas Union of Teachers
Mabel Walker founded the Bahamas Union of Teachers in 1947. She was the first president of this union. This made her the first woman to lead a trade union in The Bahamas. The union worked to improve conditions for teachers.
Leading the Women's Suffrage Movement
In 1950, Mabel Walker joined with Mary Ingraham, Georgianna Symonette, and Eugenia Lockhart. They started the Women's Suffrage Movement. This group worked hard to get all adults the right to vote.
Mabel used her connections from the Bahamas Teacher's Union. The other women used their connections from women's clubs. This helped them convince many others to join their important cause. Their efforts led to women gaining the right to vote in The Bahamas.
Later Life and Legacy
Mabel Walker was a mother to seven children. After she retired from teaching, she helped run the Walker's Pharmacy, Clothes and Hardware Store.
Several places were named to honor Mabel Walker. These include the Mabel Walker Primary School and the Mabel Walker In-House Professional Development Centre. The Bahamas Union of Teachers also named their hall "Walker Hall." She received The Queen's Medal and Certificate of Honour for her work. Mabel Walker passed away on July 8, 1987, at 85 years old.
See also
In Spanish: Mabel Walker para niños
