Ponsie Barclay Hillman facts for kids

Ponsie Barclay Hillman (1918-2008) was an amazing person who helped make things fairer for everyone. She was a leader in the civil rights movement, which worked to make sure all people, especially African Americans, had equal rights. She also helped with the labor movement, which worked to improve conditions for workers. Ponsie Hillman was part of many groups in New York City that helped the community.

Who Was Ponsie Barclay Hillman?

Ponsie Barclay Hillman was born in 1918 and lived until 2008. She spent her life working hard to help others and make her community a better place. She believed that everyone deserved to be treated fairly and have the same chances in life.

Fighting for Civil Rights

Ponsie Hillman was a lifelong member of the NAACP. This important group works to ensure that all people have equal rights and opportunities. She worked with the NAACP in New York City and also at the state and national levels, showing how dedicated she was to their cause.

In 1963, a special project called the Freedom Schools started in Prince Edward County, Virginia. At that time, some schools were closed because of segregation, which meant Black and white students were kept apart. Ponsie Hillman was one of 53 teachers who volunteered to help open these Freedom Schools. These schools gave children a place to learn when their regular schools were closed. This was a brave and important way to help young people get an education during a difficult time.

Helping the Community

Ponsie Hillman was always an active person in her community. She joined the North Manhattan Alumnae chapter of her sorority, Delta Sigma Theta, Inc. A sorority is a group of women who work together to help their community and support each other. She also joined the United Federation of Teachers, which is a group that supports teachers.

Ponsie Hillman especially loved Harlem, a famous neighborhood in New York City. She showed her love for Harlem through her work with the Delta Sigma Theta sorority. She started the first Education Committee for her sorority and led it for many years. On Saturdays, she would mentor young girls, which means she guided and advised them. She took them to see interesting exhibits at places like the Liberty Science Center and other cultural events in New Jersey and New York City. She wanted to help these girls learn and grow.

Remembering Ponsie B. Hillman

Ponsie Barclay Hillman's hard work and dedication were remembered in a special way. On September 17, 2017, a street corner in New York City was renamed in her honor. The northwest corner of Columbus Avenue and West 71st Street is now called "Mrs. Ponsie B. Hillman Way." This shows how much she was appreciated for all the good she did for her community and for civil rights.