Ruby Chappelle Boyd facts for kids

Ruby Chappelle Boyd (born March 18, 1919) was a very important person in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She became the first African-American librarian in the city. She also worked hard to save the history of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, which is a big part of African-American history.

Ruby Boyd's Early Life and Library Work

Ruby Chappelle was born in Philadelphia on March 18, 1919. Her parents, Bersie and Pearl Chappelle, moved to Philadelphia from South Carolina. They were part of a big movement called the Great Migration. This was when many African Americans moved from the Southern United States to cities in the North.

After growing up in Philadelphia, Ruby wanted to become a librarian. She tried to get into Drexel Institute, but she was not allowed to join because of her race.

Becoming a Librarian

Ruby Boyd went to Wilberforce University and then to Atlanta University Library School. In 1943, she earned her degree in Library Science and Service. While she was studying, a school principal in Philadelphia named John Henry Brodhead was fighting against unfair rules in the city.

Because of his efforts, the Free Library of Philadelphia announced they would hire their first African-American librarian in 1943. When Ruby Boyd returned to Philadelphia, she applied for the job. She was chosen and became the city's first Black librarian. Later, she also became the first Black librarian in the School District of Philadelphia.

In 1966, Ruby Boyd was the president of the School Librarians Association of Philadelphia. She helped organize a special conference for students who worked as library assistants.

Working for the A.M.E. Church

Ruby Boyd's family had strong ties to the A.M.E. Church. Her grandfather was a preacher in the church. Her mother was a leader at the Sunday school at Mother Bethel. This church is known as the birthplace of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Ruby Boyd was a member of this church her whole life.

After she retired from working in Philadelphia schools, Ruby Boyd focused on preserving the history of Mother Bethel. She helped create the Church's museum. In 1982, she edited a book about Mother Bethel Church. The book was called On this rock : the mother of African Methodism.