Ruth L. Bennett facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ruth L. Bennett
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Bennett at age 81
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| Born | June 21, 1866 Alabama, U.S.
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| Died | February 24, 1947 (aged 80) |
| Resting place | Eden Cemetery, Collingdale, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Occupation | Women's club founder, president of the Chester, Pennsylvania branch of the NAACP |
Ruth L. Bennett (June 21, 1866 – February 24, 1947) was an amazing American leader. She started many groups to help people. She also became the first president of the NAACP branch in Chester, Pennsylvania.
Ruth Bennett created the Ruth L. Bennett Improvement Club. She also started the Ruth L. Bennett Community House for Colored Women and Girls. Plus, she opened the Wilson Nursery. These places helped Black women and girls who moved to Chester during the Great Migration. This was a time when many Black people moved from the South to northern cities. She also led the Pennsylvania State Federation of Negro Women's Clubs.
Today, places like the Ruth L. Bennett House and the Ruth L. Bennett Homes are named after her. There's even a Ruth Bennett Community Farm in Chester.
Early Life and Moving to Chester
Ruth L. Bennett was born in Alabama on June 21, 1866. She moved to Chester, Pennsylvania, in 1914. She came with her husband, Reverend R.J. Bennett. Her husband was a preacher at Calvary Baptist Church in Chester.
Helping the Community
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During the Great Migration, thousands of Black people moved from the southern United States. They came to Chester, Pennsylvania, looking for good jobs. They also wanted to escape unfair treatment and segregation. Many young women came alone, without family or a place to live.
Ruth Bennett wanted to help these women. She started the Ruth L. Bennett Improvement Club. This club gave them clothes and religious lessons. It also taught them important skills like cooking, sewing, and hygiene.
In 1910, Ruth Bennett became the first president of the NAACP in Chester. The very first meeting of this group was held at the Ruth L. Bennett Home for Women.
In 1915, she became the president of the Pennsylvania State Federation of Negro Women's Clubs. This group had branches in many cities, including Philadelphia and Coatesville.
In 1918, her club opened the Ruth Bennett Community House. This house gave shelter and care to migrant women. Later, in 1925, Ruth Bennett opened the Wilson Nursery. This nursery provided a home for children who didn't have parents.
By 1940, the Bennett House had helped over 2,000 Black women and girls. They were all in need of a safe place to stay.
Her Lasting Impact
Ruth Bennett passed away on February 24, 1947.
Many places in Chester are named to honor her memory. The Ruth L. Bennett House is one example. The Ruth L. Bennett Homes, a large housing area built in 1952, also carries her name.
Today, the Ruth Bennett Community Farm is an educational farm. It's an environmental center that covers two acres. It's located right at the Ruth L. Bennett Homes in Chester. This farm continues her legacy of helping the community.
Images for kids
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Ruth L. Bennett House
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Wilson Nursery next to the Ruth L. Bennett House
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Sign for the Ruth L. Bennett Homes public housing development
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Ruth L. Bennett Community Farm
