Winona Cargile Alexander facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Winona Cargile Alexander
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Winona Cargile, 1914 Howard University yearbook photograph
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| Born | June 21, 1893 |
| Died | October 16, 1984 (age 91) |
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| Spouse(s) |
Edward L. Alexander
(m. 1917–1943) |
| Children | Two sons (Four daughters passed away during birth) |
Winona Cargile Alexander (born June 21, 1893 – died October 16, 1984) was a very important person who helped start the Delta Sigma Theta sorority. This group was founded at Howard University on January 13, 1913. It was only the second sorority created for and by African-American women. This group helped women build important community organizations and charities.
In 1915, Winona Cargile Alexander made history. She was the first African-American person accepted into the New York School of Philanthropy. Today, this school is part of Columbia University's School of Social Work. She even received a special scholarship to help her study there. After her studies, she became the first African-American social worker hired in New York City.
Early Life and Education
Winona Lucile Cargile was born in Columbus, Georgia, on June 21, 1893. She was the second of four daughters. Her parents were Sarah Frances Cargile and Reverend Charles H. Cargile. Her father was an African Methodist Episcopal (AME) minister. He had also graduated from Howard University's divinity school.
Winona's father strongly believed in education for all his daughters. He also taught them to have strong Christian faith. Her family moved to Macon, Georgia, when she started high school. She attended Ballard Normal High School, which was a private school for African-American students preparing for college. Winona graduated from Ballard Normal in 1910 as the second-highest-ranking student in her class.
In the fall of 1910, Winona started college at Howard University in Washington, DC. This was the same university her father and uncle had attended. While at Howard, Winona was very active. She became Vice President of her class. She also joined many clubs, like the Social Science Club, Alpha Phi Literary Society, German Club, and Classical Club. She was also part of the Yearbook Staff and the YWCA Cabinet.
During her second-to-last year at Howard, Winona helped create the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. She graduated from Howard in 1914 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English. She earned her degree with honors. Winona was one of the 22 women who founded the Delta Sigma Theta sorority in 1913.
Career and Family Life
After graduating from college, Winona Cargile became a high school English teacher in Sedalia, Missouri. She then received a special scholarship to study at the New York School of Philanthropy. In 1915, she was the first Black person accepted into their graduate program. She earned her degree in social work in 1916.
After finishing her studies, Winona Cargile became the first Black social worker hired by New York City and New York County Charities. She later moved to Jacksonville, Florida. There, she worked as a social worker for the Duval County Welfare Board.
In 1917, she married Edward L. Alexander, who was a lawyer. They moved to Switzerland, Florida, where Edward had his law practice. Winona and Edward had two sons, Edward L. Jr. and James S. Sadly, four of their daughters passed away during birth.
Later Life and Legacy
After her husband passed away in 1943, Winona Alexander moved her family back to Jacksonville. She continued her work in social services. First, she worked as an administrator for Travelers' Aid. From 1950 to 1960, she worked as an admissions officer at Brewster Hospital.
Winona Alexander also started the Jacksonville chapter for former members of the Delta Sigma Theta sorority. She was very active in her church, the Laura Street Presbyterian Church. She taught classes there and was chosen as an elder. She also volunteered with the YWCA and was on its board of directors. She was also on the Methodist Hospital Board of Directors. Winona Cargile Alexander passed away in 1984.
The Jacksonville chapter of the Delta Sigma Theta sorority has a scholarship named after Winona Alexander. This scholarship is given to high school graduates.
In 2018, the mayor of Jacksonville, Lenny Curry, declared June 9, 2018, as Winona Cargile Alexander Memorial Day. This was done to honor her important contributions and legacy.
Images for kids
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Winona Cargile, 1914 Howard University yearbook photograph
