Marian Palmer Capps facts for kids

Marian L. Palmer Capps (born in 1901, died in 2001) was an amazing American mathematician. She became a professor at Norfolk State University and also led a group called the Women's Auxiliary to the National Medical Association. She broke barriers and helped many people throughout her life.

Education and Career

Her Early Life and Learning

Marian Capps was an African-American woman who grew up in Norfolk, Virginia. After finishing high school at Booker T. Washington High School, she went to Howard University. There, she earned her first degree in mathematics.

Later, she continued her studies and earned more advanced degrees in math and teaching math. It's not completely clear from records which universities she attended for these higher degrees, but it was either Columbia University, the University of Wisconsin–Madison, or the Catholic University of America.

In 1938, she married John Winston Capps. He was a teacher and later became a radiologist in the Navy.

Teaching and Leading

Marian Capps started her teaching career at the Hampton Institute. This was a special type of school called a historically black college, which was created to provide education for African-American students during a time when they faced discrimination. She eventually became the head of the mathematics department there.

In 1956, she was a professor of education at South Carolina State University. By 1959, she joined Norfolk State University as a professor. She taught there for 25 years, sharing her knowledge and inspiring many students.

Service and Leadership

Helping the Community

Marian Capps was a strong leader who worked to improve her community. From 1968 to 1969, she was the president of the Women's Auxiliary to the National Medical Association. Her goal was to "Focus on Problems of Dynamic Dimensions—Medical Careers, Mental Health."

She led her group in a boycott against the American Can Company. This was because the company was unfair to African-Americans. She also helped her group join other societies of African-American women to work together for change.

Breaking Barriers

In 1978, Marian Capps made history. She was chosen to be on the Virginia State Council of Higher Education. This made her the first African-American woman to serve on that council. She also became the first African-American woman on the board of the Eastern Virginia Medical School.

She was very active in the Delta Sigma Theta sorority, which is a group for African-American women. In 1929, she helped start the Norfolk Alumnae Chapter of the sorority and was its first president. For many years, she was also the national treasurer for the sorority. She was also one of the first members of The Moles, an important social group for African-American women.

Recognition

Awards and Honors

In 1959, Marian Capps was recognized for her important work. She was named a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. This is a high honor given to scientists who have made great contributions.

The Urban League of Hampton Roads gives an annual award named after Marian Capps. She helped found this organization, which works on social and economic issues for African-Americans. The award honors people who make outstanding contributions to the league's goals through educational activities.