Meta E. Pelham facts for kids

Meta E. Pelham (born 1855, died 1941) was an important American journalist and a leader in women's clubs. She used her writing skills to share news and ideas, especially for the Detroit Plaindealer newspaper. She also worked to bring women together to make a difference in their communities.

Meta E. Pelham's Early Life

Meta E. Pelham was born in 1855 in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Her family lived in a community of free Black people. Her parents were Robert A. Pelham and Frances (Butcher) Pelham. She also had a younger brother named Robert Pelham Jr..

Later, her family moved to Detroit, Michigan. Meta was a very bright student. She was one of only four Black students in her class and graduated as the best student, known as the valedictorian. After high school, she went to Fenton College Normal School in central Michigan to continue her education.

Her Career as a Journalist

Meta Pelham first worked as a teacher in the southern United States. But she soon returned to Detroit because of her health. Around 1886, she joined the Detroit Plaindealer newspaper as a writer. She also wrote for other newspapers.

Historian Gloria Wade-Gayles found that Meta Pelham was one of 46 Black women who published news articles between 1883 and 1905. This shows how important her work was during that time.

Joining Women's Clubs

Meta Pelham was also very active in women's clubs. She was a member of:

• The Michigan State Association of Colored Women (which was part of the National Association of Colored Women)
• The Detroit Study Club
• The Detroit Federation of Women's Clubs

In 1925, Meta Pelham encouraged other African-American women to become journalists. She also asked people to help fund a Black newspaper. She believed this would help share positive news about African-American people in Detroit with everyone.

Her Later Years

Meta Pelham passed away in 1941. She is buried in the Pelham family plot at Elmwood Cemetery in Detroit.