Osceola Macarthy Adams facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Osceola Macarthy Adams
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Osceola Macarthy
June 13, 1890 Albany, Georgia, U.S.
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| Died | November 20, 1983 (aged 93) New York, New York, U.S.
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| Education | Howard University, B.A.,1913; New York University M.A., 1936 |
| Occupation | Actress, drama teacher, theatre director, fashion designer |
| Years active | 1913–1970s |
| Spouse(s) | Numa P.G. Adams |
| Children | Charles |
Osceola Marie Macarthy Adams (born June 13, 1890 – died November 11, 1983) was an amazing American actress, director, and teacher. She was also known by her stage name, Osceola Archer. She made history as one of the first Black actresses to perform on Broadway. This was in 1934, in a play called "Between Two Worlds."
Osceola Adams was also a co-founder of the Delta Sigma Theta sorority. This is now the largest organization of its kind for college women. She helped start this group in 1913, the same year she joined a big march for women's voting rights.
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A Star on Stage and Screen
Osceola Adams loved the performing arts. She even went back to school to earn a master's degree in drama. Her career as an actress covered radio, movies, television, and especially the theater. She performed in many plays, including famous ones like The Crucible and The Emperor Jones. In The Emperor Jones, she acted alongside the legendary Paul Robeson.
Directing and Teaching
Adams was also a talented director and teacher. She led the Studio Theatre School at the American Negro Theatre (ANT). There, she taught future stars like Sidney Poitier and Harry Belafonte. For almost ten years, she directed nearly 36 plays at the Putnam County Playhouse. She worked with actors like Lee Marvin and Isabel Sanford. A special moment in her directing career was in 1948. She directed a play called "Sojourner Truth" for First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt.
Honoring Her Legacy
In 1973, the Delta Sigma Theta sorority created "The Osceola" award. This award recognizes great achievements in the arts. In 1978, she was honored as an "Outstanding Pioneer" for her work in Black performing arts. Osceola Adams acted for many years. In her later life, she even appeared in commercials until she was 88 years old!
Founding Delta Sigma Theta
Osceola Adams was a leader in the Dramatic Club at Howard University. She graduated from Howard in 1913. She also studied ancient Greek and philosophy there.
A Historic Founding
On January 13, 1913, Osceola was one of 22 women who started the Alpha chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. This happened at Howard University. These women also took part in the suffragette march in Washington, D.C. This march was for women's right to vote. Even though they had to march in a separate section, they helped pave the way for future Black activism. Mary Church Terrell, a famous civil rights leader, joined them.
Growing the Sorority
After graduating, Osceola Adams and another co-founder, Marguerite Young Alexander, helped start a chapter in Chicago, Illinois. Osceola also served as the national treasurer for the sorority. Today, Delta Sigma Theta has over 700 chapters and 100,000 members. It focuses a lot on community service programs.
Activism and Impact
Osceola Adams's work with Delta Sigma Theta helped her later activism. She worked to promote equal opportunities for Black people and other minorities. She also worked with the American Theatre Wing during World War II. The Delta Sigma Theta sorority later named an award after her. This award honors members who have contributed to the arts and drama.
After college, Osceola married Numa Pompilius Garfield Adams. He was a chemistry professor and the first African-American Dean of Howard Medical School. They moved to Chicago in 1921. Osceola also taught at Bennett College. Later, she moved to New York City. There, she taught at the American Negro Theatre for nine years. She also directed plays at the Putnam Country Theater.
Teaching Career
Osceola Adams dedicated many years to teaching drama and acting.
- 1937–1939: She taught Dramatic Arts and directed the College Theatre at Bennett College for Women in Greensboro, North Carolina.
- 1941–1946: She was an Acting Teacher and Director for the Studio Theatre training program at the American Negro Theatre in New York City.
- 1953–1955: She taught Acting at the American Theatre Wing in New York City.
Awards and Special Honors
Osceola Adams received many awards for her hard work and contributions.
- She received a Citation of American Wing War Services. This was for her excellent service at the New York Stage Door Canteen during the war.
- She earned the United Seaman's Service Citation. This recognized her devoted service during World War II.
- "The Osceola" award was created in her honor by the Delta Sigma Theta sorority. This award celebrates great achievements in the Arts.
- The Audelco Recognition Awards honored her as an "Outstanding Pioneer." This was for her important role in the Black performing arts community.
Early Life and Education
Osceola Adams was born in Albany, Georgia. Her father was a life insurance executive. She had a mixed heritage, including European, Native American, and African-American roots. She attended schools in Albany, Georgia, including Albany Normal School. She also went to Fisk University's Preparatory School.
She graduated from Howard University in 1913. More than 20 years later, her husband encouraged her to go back to school. She earned a master's degree in dramatic studies from New York University in 1936. Four years later, her husband passed away. After that, she returned to working in the theater full-time.
