Minta Bosley Allen Trotman facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Minta Bosley Allen Trotman
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| Born |
Minta Bosley
February 13, 1875 |
| Died | May 3, 1949 (aged 74) |
| Alma mater | Fisk University, New York School for Social Work |
| Occupation | Suffragist, community leader |
| Spouse(s) | Henry W. Allen (1895-1903); William Frederick Trotman (1911-1949) |
| Children | Catherine Allen Latimer, Marian Allen Thompson, Henry B. Allen |
| Parent(s) | John Beal Bosley, Catherine Harding Bosley |
Minta Bosley Allen Trotman (born February 13, 1875 – died May 3, 1949) was an important African-American leader. She worked hard to help black Americans in Brooklyn get involved in their communities and improve their lives. Minta was a suffragist, meaning she supported women's right to vote. Her daughter, Catherine Allen Latimer, made history as the first African-American librarian at the New York Public Library.
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Minta Trotman's Early Life and Family
Minta Bosley was born in Nashville, Tennessee, on February 13, 1875. She was the only child of John Beal Bosley, a businessman, and Catherine Harding Bosley. Minta went to Fisk University from 1889 to 1893. Later, she also studied at the New York School for Social Work.
In 1895, Minta married Henry W. Allen, who worked for the railroad. They had three children: Catherine (born 1896), Marian (born 1899), and Henry (born 1903). Sadly, Henry Allen died in a train accident in 1903. After his death, Minta and her children traveled in Europe. They lived in France and Germany, which helped her children get a special education. For example, Catherine Allen learned to speak both French and German. In 1908, Minta and her children moved to Brooklyn, New York.
In 1911, Minta married William Frederick Trotman, a well-known real estate agent. He even worked with W. E. B. Du Bois, a famous civil rights leader.
Minta's Work as a Community Leader
Minta became very active in her community. She joined many important groups that worked for social change. These included the National Association of Colored Women (NACW), the Young Women's Christian Association, and the Brooklyn Urban League. For 20 years, Minta gave speeches, raised money, led groups, and campaigned for many political and social causes.
Fighting for Women's Rights
Minta was a close friend and worked with Addie Waites Hunton, another suffragist. They both attended a national meeting of the NACW in 1912. Minta helped start the Urban League's "Big Sister Club" and was its first president. This club focused on helping young girls. She traveled all over the country, giving talks about the club's work.
When women finally gained the right to vote in 1917, Minta didn't stop there. She continued to encourage women to take part in community life. She became the president of the Women's Civic League in Brooklyn, working to make sure women used their new voting power.
Promoting Peace and Culture
In 1927, Minta was part of the Women's International Circle of Peace and Foreign Relations. This group helped organize the fourth Pan-African Congress in New York. This was a big meeting of leaders from around the world who discussed the rights and future of African people.
Minta also cared deeply about protecting and celebrating African-American culture and history. She helped preserve the Frederick Douglass House, which was the home of the famous abolitionist Frederick Douglass. She also collected African folk art, showing her love for cultural heritage.
Later Life
Minta Bosley Allen Trotman passed away on May 3, 1949, from a heart attack. She was survived by her husband, William, and two of her children, Marian and Henry. Her daughter Catherine had passed away the year before. Minta's dedication to social justice and community leadership left a lasting impact.
Images for kids
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Henry W. and Minta Bosley Allen with their daughter, Catherine in 1899
