Born: March 19, 1873 (Melville Township, Alamance County, North Carolina)
Died: September 14, 1950
Julia Pearl Hughes (March 19, 1873 – September 14, 1950), also known as Julia P. H. Coleman or Julia Coleman-Robinson, was a pharmacist, entrepreneur, social activist, and business executive. She was a trailblazer in various fields and made significant contributions to her community and society as a whole. Hughes was the first African-American woman pharmacist to own and operate her own drug store, paving the way for future generations of women in the field. Later in life, she became the first African-American woman to run for elective office in the state of New York. A multifaceted and resilient individual, Julia Pearl Hughes overcame numerous challenges and obstacles, leaving a lasting impact on women’s history.
Julia Pearl Hughes was born in Melville Township, Alamance County, North Carolina on March 19, 1873. She was the sixth of eight children born to John and Mary Hughes. Although details about her early life are scarce, it is known that she received her education in local schools before attending Scotia Seminary in Concord, North Carolina (later Barber-Scotia College), where she graduated in 1893. Recognizing her potential, Hughes continued her education at the Pharmaceutical College (now the College of Pharmacy) of Howard University, where she earned her Pharm.D degree in 1897.
After completing her studies, Hughes moved to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where she took on the role of pharmacist at the Frederick Douglass Hospital (later Mercy-Douglass Hospital). Simultaneously, she pursued post-graduate work at the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy (now the University of the Sciences). In 1899, she took a significant leap and opened her own drug store at 937 Christian Street in south Philadelphia, naming it the Hughes Pharmacy. This achievement made her the first African-American female pharmacist to own and operate her own drug store. Undeterred by societal barriers, Hughes persevered and established a profitable business.
In 1900, Julia Pearl Hughes married James Harold Coleman, a newspaperman from Richmond, Virginia. The couple relocated to Newport News, Virginia, where Hughes continued to operate her own pharmacy for four years. However, their paths eventually diverged as James Coleman pursued a job as a colonization agent for the projected all-black town of Blackdom in Chaves County, New Mexico. Meanwhile, Julia Pearl Hughes moved to Washington, D.C., to live with her stepmother and other relatives. By 1916, the couple divorced, and they did not have any children.
In a display of her versatility and entrepreneurial spirit, Julia Pearl Hughes embarked on yet another venture following her divorce. Teaming up with T. Thomas Fortune, she co-founded the Washington Sun, a weekly newspaper, in March 1914. While working on the newspaper, Hughes also explored other avenues to sustain herself financially. Combining her scientific knowledge with her hairstyling skills, she became a hairdresser and developed a line of hair care products under the name Hair Care-Vim Chemical Company. Her expertise as a chemist allowed her to experiment with various formulas, creating products to grow and straighten kinky hair, as well as combat dandruff. She also formulated shampoos, soaps, powders, and lotions.
Julia Pearl Hughes’s contributions to society extended beyond her professional achievements. She actively engaged in social activism and used her platform to advocate for change. As an African-American woman, she faced systemic racism and discrimination firsthand, and she dedicated herself to breaking down barriers. Hughes’s persistent advocacy for civil rights and equal opportunities made her an influential figure within the African-American community, inspiring others to fight for justice and equality.
Julia Pearl Hughes’s significance in women’s history cannot be overstated. As the first African-American woman pharmacist to own and operate her own drug store, Hughes defied societal expectations and shattered glass ceilings. Her determination and entrepreneurial spirit led the way for countless other women to enter the field of pharmacy and business ownership. Furthermore, her foray into journalism and hair care product development showcased her versatility and adaptability, highlighting her resourcefulness and ability to thrive in various industries.
Throughout her life, Julia Pearl Hughes exhibited remarkable resilience, determination, and a drive to create positive change. Her accomplishments and contributions continue to be celebrated today, reminding us of the importance of challenging societal norms and promoting inclusivity and equality for all. Julia Pearl Hughes’s legacy is one of empowerment and inspiration, serving as a beacon for future generations to pursue their dreams despite the obstacles they may face.