Mildred Bryant Jones facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Dr. Mildred Bryant Jones
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| Born |
Mildred Bryant
16 November 1887 |
| Died | 15 February 1966 |
| Education | Fisk University, New England Conservatory of Music, Northwestern University, Loyola University of Chicago |
| Occupation | Musician, teacher, choral director |
| Employer | Wendell Phillips Academy High School |
| Organization | National Association of Negro Musicians |
Dr. Mildred Bryant Jones (born November 16, 1887 – died February 15, 1966) was an amazing African American musician and teacher. She was a leader in the National Association of Negro Musicians. She was also a good friend of W. E. B. Du Bois, a famous writer and activist. People said he really admired her. Dr. Jones made history as the first African American to be the Director of Music at Wendell Phillips Academy High School in Chicago. She inspired many important people there, including Harold Washington, who later became the first African American mayor of Chicago.
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Early Life and Education
Mildred Bryant was born in Macon, Georgia. Her parents were Henrietta (née Smith) and Champion Bryant. She loved music and learning from a young age.
She studied at several well-known schools. These included Fisk University, the New England Conservatory of Music, and Northwestern University. In 1919, she married Brinton Sylvester Jones in Louisville, Kentucky.
Mildred continued her studies, earning many degrees. She got her bachelor's degree in Music in 1921. In 1923, she earned her master's degree. Then, in 1928, she received a doctorate in music. She learned about singing, playing the violin, and writing music. She even spent two summers studying music in France and Germany.
A Trailblazing Music Director
From 1909 to 1918, Mildred Bryant Jones worked as a Music Supervisor. She oversaw music education in the public schools of Louisville, Kentucky. After that, she moved to Chicago. There, she became the Director of Music at Wendell Phillips High School.
Her journey to this role was not easy. She faced a lot of unfair treatment because she was African American. When she tried to take the exam to become a music director in Chicago, people tried to stop her.
When she finally took the exam, the examiners were surprised to see a Black woman. They even wanted her to take the test alone in a separate room. She bravely refused this unfair request.
Later, she was told she failed the exam. When she questioned this, they said her test papers were destroyed. Mildred didn't give up. She insisted on taking the exam again. This time, she passed!
Even after passing, she faced more challenges. She was first given only night work. But in April 1920, despite opposition, she was finally appointed as the full-time music director. It turned out she had scored the highest on the exam all along.
Inspiring Students and Community
In Chicago, Mildred Bryant Jones became a highly respected teacher. She was known for her dedication and skill. Her students at Wendell Phillips High School learned a lot from her.
Some of her famous students included:
- Roberta Martin, a gospel singer and pianist.
- Maurice Cooper, a singer and teacher.
- William Franklin, a jazz and opera singer.
One student, Dan Burley, remembered how special the teachers at Wendell Phillips were. He said they taught an "all black student body" to love their musical heritage. They also prepared them to succeed in the world.
In 1931, Dr. Jones led her school choir to victory. Her 55-member choir won a major competition in Chicago. Their performance was called the "most thrilling" and the best choir ever in Chicago schools.
Another important student was Harold Washington. He later became the first African American mayor of Chicago. He remembered that Dr. Jones often spoke about W.E.B. Du Bois. She told her students that Du Bois was a great role model. She encouraged them to work hard and achieve excellence, just like him.
Later Studies and Legacy
Mildred Bryant Jones continued her own education. In 1935, she earned a Master of Arts degree. Her thesis was about the history of Reconstruction. In 1940, she earned her PhD in history on the same topic.
Dr. Mildred Bryant Jones left a lasting impact. She broke barriers as an African American woman in music education. She inspired countless students to pursue their dreams and strive for excellence.
