Portia Washington Pittman facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Portia Washington Pittman
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Born |
Portia Marshall Washington
June 6, 1883 Tuskegee, Alabama, U.S.
|
| Died | February 26, 1978 (aged 94) Washington, D.C., U.S.
|
| Nationality | American |
| Alma mater | Bradford Academy |
| Occupation | Educator, musician |
| Spouse(s) |
William Sidney Pittman
(m. 1908) |
| Parent(s) | Booker T. Washington and Fannie Smith Washington |
Portia Marshall Washington Pittman was an important educator and musician. She was born on June 6, 1883, and lived until February 26, 1978. Her father was the famous leader Booker T. Washington. Portia made history as the first African-American person to graduate from Bradford Academy.
Early Life and Education
Portia Marshall Washington was born in Tuskegee, Alabama. Her mother, Fanny Washington, passed away when Portia was very young. Because of this, Portia spent much of her early childhood studying away from home.
She attended schools in New England, including Framingham Normal School. For her high school and college education, she went to places like Tuskegee Institute and Wellesley College. In 1905, she graduated from Bradford Academy, becoming the first African-American student to do so.
Life as an Educator and Musician
In 1908, Portia married William Sidney Pittman. They had three children together. The family moved to Washington, D.C., where William worked as an architect.
When they faced financial difficulties, Portia began teaching piano lessons to help support her family. In 1913, the family moved to Dallas, Texas. There, William became the president of a group for Black building mechanics. Portia taught music at Booker T. Washington High School. She also led the education department for the Texas Association of Negro Musicians.
Later Years and Legacy
In 1928, Portia returned to Tuskegee with her daughter, Fanny. She continued to teach piano, music, and choir. She taught at Tuskegee Institute until 1939. After that, she taught piano privately until she retired in 1944.
In her later years, Portia worked to honor her father's memory. She helped make sure his home was preserved as a monument. Portia passed away on February 26, 1978, in Washington, D.C. Today, Tuskegee Institute has a special fellowship named in her honor.
