Anna Arnold was born in Marshalltown, Iowa back in 1899 to William and Marie. The family moved to Anoka, Minnesota where she was active in the Methodist Church. She graduated from high school, afterwards attending Hamline University in Saint Paul, Minnesota. She married Merritt, the couple had no children.
After graduation, she taught English and History for two years at Rust College, in Holly Springs, Missouri. She was named executive director of the YMCA in Ohio, New Jersey, Philadelphia and Brooklyn. In 1946, she served as assistant dean of women at Howard University. She died in 1990, she was 90.
What you may not know about Anna Arnold Hedgeman is that she was the first African-American graduate to earn a B.A. in English. The first African-American woman to hold a mayoral cabinet position in New York City. in 1966, she became a co-founder of the National Organization for Women. She was executive director of Harry Truman’s 1948 campaign. One last thing, her portrait hangs in the National Portrait Gallery in Washington, D.C. Just goes to show you what a strong-willed woman, or man can accomplish, so what’s your excuse? For me I have none.
Your day is worthwhile when you make someone smile, so give the free gift of a smile today
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