Margaret Davis Bowen facts for kids

Margaret Davis Bowen (born May 24, 1894 – died April 1976) was an important leader in education, religion, and civil rights. She was known for her work helping others and fighting for fairness.

She led the Gilbert Academy, a special private college for Black students in New Orleans, during the late 1930s. She also served as the international president of a sorority called Alpha Kappa Alpha. A sorority is a group for women, often at colleges, that focuses on friendship and community service.

Later in her life, she moved to Atlanta and became very active in her church and local community.

Margaret Davis Bowen: An Inspiring Leader

Margaret Davis Bowen was a remarkable woman who dedicated her life to helping others through education and community work. She made a big difference in the lives of many people.

Her Education and Early Career

Margaret Davis Bowen was a very educated person. She earned her Master of Education degree from the University of Cincinnati in 1935. This showed her strong commitment to learning and teaching.

From 1936 to 1939, she became the head of Gilbert Academy. This was a leading private college for Black students located in New Orleans, Louisiana. Her leadership helped guide many young people.

Leading a National Sorority

Beyond her work in education, Margaret Davis Bowen was a significant figure in the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority. From 1936 to 1939, she served as its international president. This meant she led the entire organization, which has members all over the world.

Alpha Kappa Alpha is a sorority that focuses on helping communities and supporting women. They even have a special award named after her, called the Margaret Davis Bowen Outstanding Alumni Award. This award honors members who have done great things in their communities.

Making a Difference in Atlanta

In 1948, Margaret Davis Bowen left Gilbert Academy and moved to Atlanta, Georgia. There, she continued her important work. She was very active in the Methodist church, which is a type of Christian church.

She also became the first president of a local neighborhood group called "Just Us." This group was in a small neighborhood near Washington Park in Atlanta. The people in this neighborhood later honored her by dedicating a small park in her name. This shows how much she was appreciated by her community.

Her Family and Legacy

Margaret Davis Bowen was married to John Wesley Edward Bowen. He was a bishop in the Methodist church, which is a high-ranking leader in the church.

Their son, John W. E. Bowen III, followed in his parents' footsteps of public service. He became a state senator in Ohio. A state senator is a politician who helps make laws for a state.

Margaret Davis Bowen passed away in April 1976 in a nursing home in Columbus, Ohio. She had been ill for some time. Her life was a powerful example of dedication to education, civil rights, and serving her community.