Ruth Johns Ferguson facts for kids
Ruth Elizabeth Booker Johns Ferguson (1902–1989) was an American cosmetologist and business owner. A cosmetologist is someone who works with hair, makeup, and skin care. Ferguson was a very successful Black business owner in Philadelphia in the middle of the 1900s.
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Early Life and Family
Ruth Ferguson was born in Salisbury, Maryland, in 1902. Her father, Joseph E. A. Johns, was a minister. Her family moved to Philadelphia when she was young. They settled in a part of Philadelphia called Germantown. Later, she married Emanuel Ralph Ferguson, who was a doctor.
Supporting Black Women in Business
Ferguson was a member of important groups that helped Black women. One group was the National Beauty Culturists' League (NBCL). This group started in Philadelphia in 1919. During the Jim Crow era, Black people faced many unfair rules and laws. The NBCL was a place where Black women could become leaders. It helped them grow their businesses and stand up for their rights.
Ferguson was also part of a sorority called Theta Nu Sigma. A sorority is like a club for women. This group was started in 1946 by Cordelia Green Johnson. She was also a leader in the NBCL. Members of Theta Nu Sigma had special degrees in cosmetology. Ruth Ferguson was the president of Theta Nu Sigma for many years.
Opening a Beauty School
In the 1940s, Ruth Ferguson and her friend Naomi T. Fassett opened a beauty school. It was called the Apex School of Beauty and Culture. This was one of the first beauty schools for Black women in Philadelphia. It helped many women learn skills for jobs in the beauty industry.
By opening this school, Ferguson followed in the footsteps of Madam C. J. Walker. Madam C.J. Walker was a famous Black woman who built a large beauty business. The Apex School of Beauty and Culture was located at 525 S. Broad Street. It helped students for 35 years.
Her Legacy
Ruth Ferguson's important papers are kept at the Pennsylvania Historical Society. These papers help people learn about her life and her work. They show how she helped Black women in business and leadership.
