Phillis Wheatley Waters facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Phillis Wheatley Waters
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| Born | April 15, 1898  |
| Died | December 30, 1973 (aged 75) |
Phillis Wheatley Waters (born April 15, 1898 – died December 30, 1973) was an important American educator and a talented college basketball player. Many believe she was the first African-American college basketball player at the University of Michigan.
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Early Life and Family
Phillis Wheatley Waters was born on April 15, 1898, in Charleston, West Virginia. Her father, Phil Waters, was a well-known leader in the African-American community in West Virginia. He was a lawyer who studied at Howard University and the University of Michigan School of Law.
Her father was also a talented baseball player at the University of Michigan. He even earned a special award called a varsity letter for his skills. Later, he worked as a top clerk for the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals.
High School Achievements
Phillis attended Ann Arbor High School and graduated in 1913. During her time there, she was a great athlete. She played both basketball and tennis.
She made history at her high school by becoming the first African-American to lead the basketball team as its captain. This was a big step for her and for others.
College Basketball Star
After high school, Phillis went on to the University of Michigan. There, she continued to break barriers. She was the first African-American person to join the school's basketball team.
She also became the first African-American woman to earn a varsity letter at the university. This award recognizes top athletes. In 1914, as a freshman, she led her team to victory in a school tournament. Her freshman team beat the junior team with a score of 14-7. Phillis graduated from the University of Michigan in 1917 with a degree in French.
A Life of Teaching and Service
After college, Phillis Wheatley Waters moved to Indianapolis, Indiana. She lived there for the rest of her life. She dedicated five decades to working in the public school system.
Most of her teaching career was spent at Crispus Attucks High School. This school was very important in the African-American community. Besides teaching, Phillis was also active in her local community. She was involved in civic life and politics, especially with the Republican Party. She held several positions and even ran for a seat in the Indiana House of Representatives in 1960.
Phillis Wheatley Waters passed away on December 30, 1973, at her home in Indianapolis. She left behind a legacy as a pioneering athlete and a dedicated educator.
