Born: 1916 (Dayton, Ohio)
Died: 2016
Biography:
Geraldine Jerrie Lawhorn (December 31, 1916 July 3, 2016) was a figure of the American deafblind community, a performer, actress, pianist, and instructor at the Hadley Institute for the Blind and Visually Impaired. At 67 years old, she became the first deafblind African American to earn a college degree in the United States of America.
Early life:
Geraldine Jerrie Lawhorn was born on December 31, 1916, in Dayton, Ohio, to Pearl Walker and William Bert Lawhorn. Her parents were musicians and at the time, managers of a movie theater in Dayton. She had two older brothers, Melvin and Wendell Lawhorn. Geraldine spent her childhood between Dayton and Chicago. When she was eighteen months old, her family settled in Chicago, where they started a confectioner’s trade business. After her parents’ divorce in 1922, Geraldine returned to Dayton with her mother and started elementary school. However, a traumatizing experience compelled them to move back to Chicago, where she lived with her mother and brothers. During the Great Depression starting in 1929, the Lawhorns went through financial hardships. Pearl Walker opened a beauty shop in their apartment to earn some money and have time to take care of her children.
Handicap and school:
Geraldine was about eight years old when doctors discovered she had an eye condition. She could not see well and faced difficulties reading. Geraldine attended many church meetings because her parents thought religion could help her. At twelve years old, Geraldine lost her sight, but she could still perceive some glimmer of light. Doctors never found the cause of her blindness. As a result, she attended the Sight-Saving Room of the Sherwood Grammar School, which provided accommodations for visually impaired pupils. Geraldine had to learn the braille language but still had classes with sighted students. Her integration at school was not easy: in eighth grade, her classmates booed, stigmatized, and discriminated against her.
Geraldine then attended the Braille Department of Marshall High School. She became interested in writing and public speaking and won several prizes for her short stories. She decided to change her name from Jerry to Jerrie because she wanted it to have a French flair. As her sight deteriorated further, she had to learn a new mode of communication, the One-Hand Alphabet, and joined a special academic program in the Braille Room. This situation did not prevent her from improving her writing skills. She won a writing contest in Chicago after presenting her short story Gift. She also wrote a novel entitled The Needle Swingers’ Baby.
Artistic years:
Geraldine graduated with honors from high school. However, she did not let her disabilities hinder her pursuit of a successful career. She began her artistic journey and quickly became a talented performer and pianist. Geraldine performed as a pianist at various events and venues in Chicago. She also became an actress and performed in several theater productions. Her captivating performances impressed both audiences and critics alike.
Instructor at the Hadley Institute:
Geraldine’s passion for education and helping others led her to become an instructor at the Hadley Institute for the Blind and Visually Impaired. Through her role, she inspired and mentored countless students, empowering them to overcome their own challenges and pursue their dreams. Geraldine’s dedication and expertise were instrumental in shaping the lives and futures of many individuals.
Accomplishments and Legacy:
Geraldine Jerrie Lawhorn’s most significant accomplishment was becoming the first deafblind African American to earn a college degree in the United States. This milestone achievement broke barriers and paved the way for future generations facing similar challenges. Geraldine’s unwavering determination, perseverance, and passion for education made her an inspiration to many deafblind individuals around the world.
Throughout her life, Geraldine faced numerous struggles and obstacles, but she never let them define her. Instead, she used her experiences to advocate for the rights and inclusivity of individuals with disabilities. Geraldine’s contributions to the deafblind community and her dedication to improving opportunities for others will forever be remembered.
Awards:
– [List any official awards or recognitions received by Geraldine Lawhorn here].