Born: 1921 (Calvert County, Maryland)
Died: 1993
Biography:
Phyllis Ann Wallace (1921–1993) was a distinguished African American economist and activist, as well as the first woman to receive a doctorate of economics at Yale University. Her work primarily focused on racial and gender discrimination in the workplace.
Born Annie Rebecca Wallace on June 9, 1921, in Calvert County, Maryland, she was the daughter and only child of John Wallace, a craftsman, and Stevella Wallace. Despite growing up in a racially segregated society, Wallace excelled academically. She attended Frederick Douglass High School, a highly regarded segregated institution, and graduated as the valedictorian of her class in 1939.
Despite her academic achievements, Maryland state law at the time prohibited her from attending the all-white University of Maryland. Undeterred, Wallace pursued her education at New York University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in economics magna cum laude and was inducted into the prestigious Phi Beta Kappa society in 1943. Determined to further her studies, she enrolled at Yale University and earned both a master’s degree in 1944 and a Ph.D. in 1948.
During her time at Yale, Wallace was inspired by her economics professor and her work at a federal-defense agency to pursue a career in international economics. However, her focus shifted to workplace economics when she joined the senior staff of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) in 1965. She became a leading advocate against discrimination in the workplace and played a crucial role in shaping the anti-discrimination provisions of the landmark Civil Rights Act of 1964.
Wallace’s dedication to economic issues affecting urban minority youth led her to join the Metropolitan Applied Research Center (MARC). She actively contributed to research and initiatives that aimed to address economic disparities within marginalized communities.
In 1972, Wallace joined the faculty of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) as a visiting professor. In 1974, she made history by becoming the first woman to receive tenure in the Sloan School of Management at MIT. Her appointment as a tenured professor was a significant milestone, breaking barriers for women in academia. Wallace continued to inspire and mentor countless students throughout her career, leading the way for future generations of female economists.
Wallace’s tireless advocacy for equality and her groundbreaking contributions to the field of economics earned her numerous accolades and awards. She became the first African American and the first female president of the Industrial Relations Research Association. In 1981, she was honored with the National Economic Association’s Westerfield Award for her outstanding achievements. Additionally, several prestigious universities, including Yale and Brown, recognized her exceptional contributions by presenting her with awards during her influential career.
Phyllis Ann Wallace’s legacy as an esteemed economist, activist, and advocate for equal opportunity continues to inspire and shape our understanding of economic and social justice. Her pioneering accomplishments in combating workplace discrimination and promoting economic equality have had a profound impact on society. Wallace’s groundbreaking career and unwavering commitment to making a positive difference mark her as a significant figure in women’s history and a role model for future generations. She passed away on January 10, 1993, leaving behind a powerful and enduring legacy.