Minnie Lou Crosthwaite facts for kids

Minnie Lou Crosthwaite (born Scott; August 20, 1860 – January 13, 1937) was an important American teacher. She made history in Nashville by becoming the first Black woman to pass the teacher exam there. At that time, schools were separated by race. Later, she taught at Fisk University and became its registrar. She played a big role in improving education and social life for the African-American community in Nashville.

Early Life and Education

Minnie Lou Scott was born on August 20, 1860, in Nashville. Her mother was Frances McAlister Scott. Minnie went to Fisk University from 1865 to 1867. Back then, Fisk also taught younger students. After that, she attended public schools until 1874.

Minnie remembered being at the opening of the Fisk School in 1865. This event made a strong impression on her. She returned to Fisk in 1874 to train as a teacher. She graduated at age 17 in 1877.

In 1884, she married Scott Washington Crosthwaite. He was a doctor and also studied divinity.

Becoming a Teacher

From 1874 to 1879, Minnie and her husband taught in county schools for part of the year. At that time, all teachers in Nashville's schools for Black children were white. Minnie and her husband wanted to see if the system would hire Black teachers.

Minnie became the first Black person to take and pass the teachers' exam. She was still a college student at the time. She took this chance to help solve the "crisis in the education of colored children."

Minnie, her husband, Robert White, and another young woman became the first Black teachers in Nashville's public schools. Her husband also became a principal. Minnie taught in Nashville schools for fourteen years.

Return to Fisk University

The family moved to Knoxville and then back to Nashville. When they returned, Minnie went back to Fisk to finish her bachelor's degree. She earned her degree in June 1903.

After graduating, she became a math instructor at Fisk. This was the first of many roles she held there.

Key Roles at Fisk

Minnie Lou Crosthwaite served in several important positions at Fisk University:

• She was the principal of the "Normal Department" from 1906 to 1910. This department trained future teachers.
• She became the registrar in 1910. She also continued teaching in the Normal Department until 1916.

As registrar, Minnie cared deeply about the students. She kept detailed records of students and alumni. It seemed she remembered every student who attended Fisk during her time there. She was a memorable person to them.

She retired from Fisk in 1925 or 1926. Two years later, she was given the special title of "registrar emeritus." This honored her long and dedicated service. One of her colleagues was John Wesley Work Jr., and she praised his commitment to his students.

Community Work and Legacy

Minnie Lou Crosthwaite was also very active in her community. During World War I, she helped raise money for soldiers who needed support. She became an important early leader in the YWCA (Young Women's Christian Association). She also led the Fisk chapter of the YWCA.

She worked for the Nashville branch of the YWCA. She also joined the Southern Interracial League. Minnie was active in other local African-American groups too. She became friends with important figures like Nettie Napier and Juno Frankie Pierce.

With Juno Frankie Pierce, she helped start the Tennessee Vocational School for Colored Girls in 1923. This school helped young Black girls learn important skills.

After she retired from Fisk, Minnie joined the alumni board in 1927. That same year, her family moved to Minneapolis–Saint Paul. In 1928, they moved to Detroit. She passed away in Detroit on January 13, 1937. In 1963, Fisk University named a new women's dormitory in her honor.