Verda Welcome facts for kids
Verda Mae Freeman Welcome (born March 18, 1907 – died April 22, 1990) was an important American leader. She was a teacher, a civil rights activist, and a Maryland state senator. A civil rights leader works to make sure everyone has equal rights, no matter their race. Verda Welcome made history as the second Black woman ever elected to a state senate in the United States. The first was Cora Mae Brown in 1952. Verda Welcome worked for 25 years in the Maryland government. She helped create laws that made sure people were treated fairly at work. She also fought against unfair treatment based on race.
Early Life and Education
Verda Mae Freeman was born on March 18, 1907. She grew up on a small farm in Lake Lure, North Carolina. She was one of sixteen children born to John Nuborn and Ella Theodocia Freeman.
In 1929, Verda moved to Baltimore, Maryland. She studied hard and graduated from Coppin State Teachers College in 1932. Three years later, in 1935, she married Dr. Henry C. Welcome.
Verda continued her education. She earned a bachelor's degree in history from Morgan State College in 1939. Later, in 1943, she completed a master's degree in history at New York University. Before becoming a politician, Verda Welcome taught in public schools in Baltimore from 1934 to 1945. She was also a member of the Delta Sigma Theta sorority.
Political Career
Verda Welcome started her political journey in 1958. She was elected to the Maryland House of Delegates. This made her the first Black woman to hold this position in Baltimore City. She served in the House of Delegates for three years.
In 1962, Verda Welcome was elected to the Maryland State Senate. This was a big achievement, as she was only the second Black woman in the entire United States to become a state senator. In April 1964, she faced a difficult situation but survived an attack. Two men were later found guilty.
A very important part of her work was in 1967. Verda Welcome worked hard to get rid of Maryland's laws that separated people based on race. These laws, called segregation laws, had been in place since the time when slavery was legal.
Verda Welcome was also chosen to be a delegate for the Democratic National Convention multiple times. She attended these important meetings in 1968, 1972, and 1976. She continued to serve in political office until 1982, when she decided to retire. Verda Welcome passed away on April 22, 1990, in Baltimore.
Awards and Recognition
Verda Welcome received many honors for her dedication and hard work. In 1962, she was given the "Woman of the Year" award. This award came from the Women's Auxiliary to the National Medical Association.
In 1988, her achievements were recognized again. She was officially added to the Maryland Women's Hall of Fame. This honor celebrates women who have made important contributions to the state of Maryland.
