Ruby G. Woodson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ruby Garrard Woodson
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Ruby G. Woodson, founder of Cromwell Academy and of Florida Academy of African American Culture, c. 1975
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| Born | June 22, 1931 |
| Died | February 8, 2008 (aged 76) |
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| Occupation | Educator, chemistry teacher |
| Children | William G. Woodson |
Ruby Garrard Woodson (born 1931, died 2008) was a special teacher. She started two important schools. One was the Cromwell Academy in Washington, D.C. The other was the Florida Academy of African American Culture in Sarasota, Florida.
Ruby was born in Alabama but grew up in Sarasota, Florida. Her mother, Ella Mae, worked hard and later owned a store. Her father, David, was a farmer. Ruby had one son, William.
Ruby was very smart. At 15, she was the top student when she finished Booker High School in Sarasota in 1947. At 19, in 1951, she earned her science degree in chemistry. She studied at Florida A&M University in Tallahassee, Florida. Later, in 1960, she got her master's degree in education. This was from American University in Washington, D.C.
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Ruby Woodson Breaks Barriers at Sarasota Library
In 1957, Ruby was visiting her hometown of Sarasota. She needed to use the public library for her master's degree research. But she was not allowed in because of her race.
Ruby spoke up about this unfair treatment. She talked to city and county leaders. Her actions helped remove racial barriers in Sarasota. Soon, all people could use the public library. This was a big step in ending segregation in the city.
Cromwell Academy: A School for Gifted Students
Ruby taught chemistry and physics for 13 years. She worked in public schools in Washington, D.C. Then, in 1973, she started her own school. It was called Cromwell Academy. This private school helped talented minority students.
The academy began in a church building. Many students soon took classes at Georgetown University and Howard University. They earned credits for their high school diplomas. The school was named after Otelia Cromwell. She was an educator and the first Black woman to get a Ph.D. from Yale University.
Cromwell Academy quickly became known for its excellent academics. Famous people sent their children there. Gifted students from all backgrounds also joined. Bill Cosby sent his son, Ennis. The president of Venezuela sent his daughter.
Ruby Woodson was key to the school's success. She was the administrator and also a counselor. She helped students get into college. Sometimes, she used her own money to help the school.
The school was like a small family. Ruby also taught students important life skills. She helped them with money and personal problems. She even helped them buy cars or houses later on. She also raised money for scholarships. This helped many students attend.
Ruby herself had overcome dyslexia. This helped her understand students with similar challenges. She taught students to have high standards. She helped them develop self-respect. She guided them in applying to colleges. She also helped them find scholarships.
Students from Cromwell Academy went to top universities. They earned degrees from places like Columbia University, Mount Holyoke College, Smith College, Yale University, and Vassar College. The academy became famous for its academic excellence.
One student, Lisa S. Martin, graduated in 1979. She later went to Yale and Emory University. She became a psychologist. Lisa said Ruby inspired her students. Ruby made them believe they could achieve anything. Her work was praised by the Washington Post and the United States Department of Education.
Ruby Woodson's Retirement and Community Work
In 1989, Ruby Woodson moved back to Sarasota. She quickly became involved in her community. She joined many cultural and civic groups. These included the Asolo Center for the Performing Arts and Habitat for Humanity. She also worked with the United Way.
Ruby helped bring a library branch to the Newtown neighborhood. This was the area where she grew up. Now, children there could walk to a library. The United Way named Ruby Woodson one of the "Women of Community Impact" in Sarasota County.
Florida Academy for African American Culture
After returning to Sarasota, Ruby started another school. It was called the Florida Academy for African American Culture (FAAC). This group focused on education and culture. It especially helped children from preschool through high school.
FAAC bought the Pearl and Grover Koons House. This historic home became a museum. It also had a library called the African-American Culture Research Center and Library. This helped children learn more. There were also classrooms for gifted students in a nearby building.
The academy held public speaking and essay contests. Students won prizes for their work in Black History events. The library gave books to local students, churches, and day-care centers. Every Saturday, children could get free books at the academy.
Ruby Woodson's Focus on Reading
Ruby Woodson loved to read from a young age. She believed reading was very important for children. She encouraged them to read about anything that interested them. She said her father and her first teacher, Ethel Reid Hays, helped her love reading.
This quote is from a biography of Ruby Woodson. It is kept at the Family Heritage House Museum in Florida.
