Mamie Garvin Fields facts for kids

Mamie Garvin Fields (born August 13, 1888 – died July 30, 1987) was an important American teacher. She also worked hard for civil rights and was a religious activist. She wrote a book about her life. In 1909, she became one of the first African-American teachers in Charleston County, South Carolina, public schools. She also helped start the Modern Priscilla Club in Charleston in 1927.

Early Life and Education

Mamie Elizabeth Garvin was born in Charleston, South Carolina, on August 13, 1888. Her parents were George Washington Garvin and Rebecca Mary Logan Bellinger. She went to school at Shaw. Then, she attended Claflin College.

Mamie earned a license to teach. She also received a diploma in science. She wanted to become a missionary. However, her parents wanted her to be a teacher.

Teaching Career

Mamie Garvin Fields began teaching in 1908. Her first job was at Pine Wood School. This school mainly served Black students. In 1909, she returned to Charleston. She became one of the first African-American teachers hired in a public school there.

Later, she became the principal of Miller High School. This school was located on Johns Island, South Carolina. She worked as a principal for two years. After living in Boston for a few years, she came back to Charleston. She married Robert Lucas Fields. They had two sons, Alfred Benjamin and Robert Lionel.

In 1926, Fields started teaching again. She taught at the Society Corner School. During the Great Depression, many people struggled. Mamie started the first vacation bible school for migrant workers in Charleston. She stopped teaching in 1943.

Working for Change

Mamie Garvin Fields was also an activist. In 1916, she joined the City of Charleston Federation of Colored Woman's Club. She helped create the Modern Priscilla Club of Charleston in 1927. Even after she retired from teaching, she stayed busy.

She was active in women's clubs. She also volunteered in many community and religious groups. Mamie was a member of the National Association of Colored Women's Clubs. This group's goal was to "Lift as they Climb." This meant helping others through charity and community work. She led the South Carolina Federation of Colored Women's Clubs from 1958 to 1964. She also supervised the Marion Birnie Wilkinson Home for Girls in Cayce, South Carolina.

Awards and Her Memoir

Mamie Garvin Fields received many awards. These awards came from women's groups and Black sororities. She won the award for the state's Outstanding Older Citizen. This award was given by the South Carolina Commission on Aging.

When she was almost 90 years old, she started writing a book. She worked with her granddaughter, Karen Fields. The book was called Lemon Swamp and Other Places. It was published in 1983. This book tells the story of her life and work in South Carolina. Mamie Garvin Fields passed away in Charleston on July 30, 1987.