Rachel Taylor Milton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Rachel Taylor Milton
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| Born | May 19, 1901 |
| Died | July 4, 1995 (aged 94) |
| Education | Hartford Seminary |
| Organization | Urban League of Hartford |
| Awards | Connecticut Women's Hall of Fame inductee |
Rachel Taylor Milton (1901–1995) was an amazing American educator and community leader. She helped start the Urban League in Hartford, Connecticut. Rachel was the first African American woman to graduate from Hartford Seminary. Because of her important work, she was added to the Connecticut Women's Hall of Fame in 1994.
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Early Life and Education
Rachel Taylor Milton was born in Hartford, Connecticut, on May 19, 1901. Her parents were John O. and Mary Epps Taylor. She went to public schools in Hartford. Later, she studied at Hartford Seminary, which is a special school for religious studies.
Making a Difference: Her Career
Rachel Milton started her career in 1924. She worked for the YMCA, which is an organization that helps young people. She led YMCA groups in different cities like Pittsburgh, Omaha, Chicago, and Nashville.
Breaking Barriers at the YMCA
While working at the YMCA, Rachel did something very important. She helped to end segregation at YMCA camps in Pittsburgh and Omaha. This means she made sure that people of all races could go to the same camps together, which was a big step for fairness at that time. She also continued her own education, studying at several universities.
Helping Students at Fisk University
From 1953 to 1955, Rachel worked at Fisk University. She was an associate dean, helping to guide and support the women students there.
Supporting Seniors in Chicago
In 1958, Rachel led the first center for senior citizens in Chicago that welcomed people of all races. This center was part of the Chicago Housing Authority and helped older adults connect and get support.
Community Work in Hartford
Rachel Milton moved back to Hartford in 1959. There, she became a community organizer. This means she helped bring people together to solve problems and improve their neighborhoods.
Starting the Urban League in Hartford
One of her biggest achievements was helping to start the National Urban League in Hartford. In 1962, she led a group that raised $90,000. This money helped open the Hartford chapter of the Urban League in 1964. The Urban League helps people with things like education, job training, health, and buying homes. Rachel was on its board of directors, helping to guide its work.
Preserving History in Hartford
In 1979, Rachel led a committee that helped get the Union Baptist Church listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means the church was recognized as an important historical building.
Other Ways She Helped the Community
Rachel Milton was involved in many other groups that worked to make communities better. She helped organize the Junior Council of the National Council of Negro Women. She was also a founding member of the Hartford chapter of the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women's Clubs. She was also part of important groups like the NAACP and the Delta Sigma Theta sorority.
For all her hard work, Rachel received many awards. In 1968, she was given the Woman of the Year Award by B'nai B'rith, a Jewish service organization.
Personal Life
Rachel Taylor married Charles H. Milton (1904–1981). Charles was an assistant pastor at Mount Calvary Baptist Church in Hartford. They did not have any children.
Rachel Milton passed away on July 4, 1995, in Simsbury, Connecticut. She was 94 years old and left behind a legacy of helping others and fighting for fairness.
