Born: 1915 (Muskogee, Oklahoma)
Biography:
Olivia Juliette Hooker was an extraordinary figure in American history, known for her resilience, accomplishments, and contribution to women’s rights. Born on February 12, 1915, in Muskogee, Oklahoma, she would face adversity from a young age, enduring the devastation of the Tulsa race massacre in 1921. Despite the challenges she faced, Hooker would go on to become the first African-American woman to join the U.S. Coast Guard and leave an indelible mark on the field of psychology.
Growing up in Tulsa’s Greenwood District, Hooker experienced the horrors of racism and hate at the tender age of six. The Tulsa race riots of May 31 to June 1, 1921, wreaked havoc on her community, as white men destroyed their belongings, including her sister’s piano and her father’s record player. Hiding under a table, Hooker and her siblings remained silent, hoping not to be discovered by the violent mob. This traumatic event left a lasting impression on her and instilled in her a lifelong commitment to justice.
In the aftermath of the riots, Hooker’s family relocated first to Topeka, Kansas, and then to Columbus, Ohio. She pursued her education with determination, eventually earning a bachelor’s degree in 1937 from The Ohio State University. While at OSU, she joined the Delta Sigma Theta sorority, where she advocated for African-American women to be accepted into the U.S. Navy.
Hooker’s dedication to service and her desire to effect positive change led her to join the U.S. Coast Guard during World War II. In doing so, she became the first African-American woman to be admitted to the Coast Guard. Serving in the United States Coast Guard Women’s Reserve, she achieved the rank of Yeoman Second Class. Hooker remained in the Coast Guard until her unit was disbanded in mid-1946. Her bravery and determination opened the doors for future generations of women of color in the military.
After her service in the Coast Guard, Hooker utilized the G.I. Bill to pursue further education. She obtained a master’s degree in psychological services from the Teachers College of Columbia University in 1947 and went on to earn her Ph.D. in clinical psychology from the University of Rochester in 1961. Her doctoral dissertation focused on the learning abilities of children with Down syndrome, highlighting her commitment to improving the lives of individuals with intellectual disabilities.
Throughout her career, Hooker made significant contributions to the field of psychology. In 1973, she played a pivotal role in the formation of the American Psychological Association’s Division 33: Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities/Autism Spectrum Disorder (IDD/ASD). This division aimed to advance psychological research, professional education, and clinical services that enhance the quality of life for individuals with IDD/ASD across their lifespan. Hooker’s work in this field helped shape the understanding and support available for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Olivia Hooker’s life was a testament to resilience, courage, and the pursuit of equality. Her journey, from surviving the Tulsa race massacre to becoming a trailblazer in the military and psychology, has left an indelible mark on history. Through her accomplishments, she inspired countless individuals and paved the way for future generations to break barriers.