EdSight

Charlotte Hawkins Brown was a prominent Black educator and activist who played a significant role in advancing education and activism, particularly for Black children in the Jim Crow South. Born on June 11, 1883, in Henderson, North Carolina, just eight years after Emancipation, Brown's early life was marked by her mother's dedication to education and her exposure to teaching and public speaking at a young age.

After relocating to Cambridge, Massachusetts, Brown's mother continued to foster her education by teaching her various skills and encouraging her public speaking abilities. Brown's leadership qualities began to emerge during her time at Alston Grammar School, where she was selected to speak before her graduating class.

One pivotal moment in Brown's life was her encounter with Alice Freeman Palmer, the first woman president of Wellesley College, who recognized Brown's potential and sponsored her education at a state normal school in Massachusetts. This support marked the beginning of a significant relationship that influenced Brown's future endeavors in education.

Throughout her career, Brown was part of an elite group of Black American women school founders, including notable figures like Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune and Nannie Hellen Burroughs. Together, they advocated for racial equality through education, religion, and community engagement.

Brown's most notable contribution to education was the founding and long tenure of the Palmer Memorial Institute, where she served as an educational advisor to the Franklin D. Roosevelt administration. Despite facing financial challenges and societal norms of the time, Brown remained dedicated to uplifting the Black community through education and activism. Her legacy as a pioneering educator and activist continues to inspire generations, showcasing her resilience, determination, and commitment to social change.

1. Inception and Early Years: PMI was founded in 1902 in Sedalia, North Carolina, with the support of a $200 gift from Alice Freeman Palmer, a prominent educator. With this initial funding, Brown hired four teachers and opened the doors of PMI in the fall of 1902. The school started in a humble setting, a dilapidated blacksmith's shed, but would eventually grow to encompass 14 buildings spread across 300 acres.

2. Educational Philosophy: PMI was established as an elite, middle-class boarding school that aimed to provide a comprehensive education to Black American students. Brown's educational philosophy at PMI combined the pragmatism of Booker T. Washington and the intellectual consciousness of W.E.B. Du Bois, emphasizing a well-rounded education that prepared students for leadership and success.

3. Curriculum and Programs: PMI offered a rigorous academic curriculum that included a focus on liberal arts, culture, and practical skills. Students at PMI received instruction in a wide range of subjects, including literature, history, mathematics, and vocational training. The school also emphasized the importance of character development, social graces, and community engagement.

4. Impact and Legacy: Over the course of almost seven decades, PMI educated and trained nearly 2,000 Black scholars and leaders, with a significant percentage of graduates going on to attend college and pursue postgraduate degrees. The institute's impact extended beyond the classroom, shaping the lives and futures of generations of Black Americans and contributing to the advancement of education and social progress.

5. Recognition and Preservation: In recognition of PMI's historical significance, efforts were made to preserve the legacy of Dr. Charlotte Hawkins Brown and the institute. The establishment of the Charlotte Hawkins Brown Museum in Sedalia, North Carolina, and the certification of PMI as a North Carolina State Historic Site in 1982 underscored the importance of PMI in Black American history and education.

1. Intersectional Activism: Brown's advocacy work was characterized by her intersectional approach, addressing issues of race, gender, and social justice simultaneously. She believed in the interconnectedness of struggles faced by Black women and the broader Black community, emphasizing the importance of advocating for both groups to achieve meaningful progress.

2. Collaboration with Leading Figures: Brown collaborated closely with prominent figures in the fight for racial and gender equality, including Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune and Nannie Helen Burroughs. Together, they formed a powerful trio known as the “Three Bs of Education,” working to advance educational opportunities and social justice for Black Americans through a holistic approach that combined education, religion, and community engagement.

3. National Influence: Brown's advocacy efforts extended beyond the local community, making her a nationally recognized figure in the fight for civil rights and educational equity. By the mid-1920s, she had become a renowned speaker, emphasizing the importance of cultural education and liberal arts in promoting racial uplift and empowerment.

4. Educational Empowerment: As the founder and president of the Palmer Memorial Institute, Brown's advocacy for education as a tool for emancipation was central to her work. She believed that providing quality education to Black students was essential for breaking the cycle of systemic oppression and empowering future generations to achieve their full potential.

5. Legacy of Activism: Brown's legacy as an advocate for women's rights and Black Americans continues to inspire activists and educators today. Her commitment to social justice, equality, and empowerment serves as a model for those working towards a more just and inclusive society, highlighting the enduring impact of her advocacy work.

Brown's appointment as an educational advisor to the Roosevelt administration reflected her expertise and influence in the field of education. In this capacity, she was tasked with advising policymakers on educational policies, initiatives, and programs that aimed to improve access to quality education and promote social progress. As an advisor, Brown had the opportunity to shape educational policies that directly impacted Black communities and marginalized populations. Her advocacy for equitable access to education, resources, and opportunities helped inform decision-making processes within the administration, contributing to efforts to address educational disparities and promote inclusivity. Through her advisory role, Brown advocated for educational reform initiatives that focused on expanding educational access, improving school infrastructure, and enhancing curriculum quality. Her commitment to educational excellence and social upliftment guided her recommendations and advocacy efforts within the administration.

• Brown, C. H. (1919). “Mammy”: An appeal to the heart of the south. Thmmiesgrim Press.