Marcella Walker McGee facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Marcella Walker McGee
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| Born | July 23, 1904 Chicago, Illinois, United States
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| Died | May 28, 1997 (aged 92) Kensington, Maryland, United States
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| Alma mater | University of Chicago Northwestern University |
| Occupation | Librarian and activist |
| Movement | Civil Rights Movement |
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| Children | 1 |
Marcella Walker McGee (born July 23, 1904 – died May 28, 1997) was an American librarian and a strong activist for social justice. She worked hard to make communities better for everyone. With her husband, Lewis Allen McGee, she helped start one of the very first churches in the United States where people of all races could worship together. This was a Unitarian church.
Marcella's Early Life and Education
Marcella grew up in a well-off African-American family. She finished high school at the University of Chicago. Marcella had planned to go to Mount Holyoke College. But her family faced money problems. So, she took college classes at the University of Chicago and Northwestern University. She then decided to become a librarian.
Marcella worked as a librarian for 32 years in Chicago, Illinois. Later, she worked at libraries in other places. These included Antioch College, Humboldt College, and Pasadena, California.
Working for Equality and Community
Marcella McGee spent her life working for racial equality. She also fought for social justice. This means she wanted everyone to be treated fairly. She met Reverend Lewis Allen McGee at a special school. This school taught African-American workers about politics and how to be good citizens.
After marrying Lewis in 1945, Marcella worked with him. They started the Free Religious Fellowship (FRF) in South Side, Chicago. This church welcomed people of all races. But most of its members were African-American.
In 1960, Marcella was chosen to join a group of women's organizations. These groups later combined to form the Unitarian Universalist Women's Federation. Marcella was very important in bringing these groups together. She even led the Federation's first big meeting for leaders.
Later Years and Awards
Marcella McGee lived longer than her husband, Lewis Allen McGee. She never married again after he passed away. In 1994, she received a very special award. It was the Clara Barton Award from the American Red Cross. This is the highest award the Red Cross gives to volunteers. It honors people who have been great leaders for many years.
Marcella McGee died in 1997. She was 92 years old. She passed away at a nursing facility in Kensington, Maryland.
