Pauline Oberdorfer Minor facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Pauline Oberdorfer Minor
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| Born | c. 1885 |
| Died | January 23, 1963 (aged about 77 or 78) |
| Resting place | Eden Cemetery, Collingdale, Pennsylvania, USA |
| Alma mater | Howard University |
| Occupation | Mezzo-soprano, composer |
| Known for | Co-founder of Delta Sigma Theta |
Pauline Oberdorfer Minor (born around 1885 – died 1963) was an American teacher, singer, and composer. She was one of the 22 amazing women who started the Delta Sigma Theta sorority. This group helps women grow and serve their communities.
Early Life and Education
Pauline Oberdorfer was born in Charlottesville, Virginia, around 1885. She moved to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to go to school. Her aunt and uncle raised her there. Pauline didn't know her exact birthday or her parents.
In 1910, Pauline finished high school at the Philadelphia High School for Girls. She sang in her church choir. With help from Lewis B. Moore, a dean at Howard University, she got a scholarship. This scholarship allowed her to attend Howard University.
Founding Delta Sigma Theta
At Howard University, Pauline Oberdorfer joined 21 other students. Together, they started the Delta Sigma Theta sorority on January 13, 1913. A sorority is a group for women in college. It helps them become leaders and work together.
Pauline was the very first treasurer for the Alpha Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta. She also led the Teacher's Club at Howard for a year. Her achievements were even mentioned in Crisis magazine. This magazine was edited by W.E.B. DuBois.
Career and Music
Pauline graduated from Howard University in 1914. She was the best student in her class, known as the valedictorian. After college, she became a teacher. She taught in different states like Pennsylvania, Alabama, and South Carolina.
Pauline was also a talented singer. She was a mezzo-soprano, which is a type of singing voice. She performed concerts and wrote her own songs. Her book, Soul Echoes, had forty of her musical creations. Some of her songs were "Get Off the Judgment Seat" and "My Lord Is a Refuge".
Later Life and Legacy
Pauline Oberdorfer married a man named Mr. Minor, but they later divorced. She passed away on January 23, 1963. She was buried in Eden Cemetery in Collingdale, Pennsylvania.
In 2015, a special monument was placed in Eden Cemetery for Pauline. The Philadelphia Alumnae chapter of the Delta Sigma Theta sorority put it there. Scholarships and internships have also been created in her name. These help students at the Philadelphia High School for Girls and in Charlottesville, Virginia.
