Born: April 30, 1904 (Hampton, Georgia)
Died: February 19, 1989
Biography:
Dr. Rosa Slade Gragg (30 April 1904 – 19 February 1989) was an American activist and politician who made significant contributions to education and civil rights in Detroit, Michigan. She dedicated her life to creating opportunities for black women and advocating for racial equality. Her influential work in the field of education and her role as an advisor to three United States presidents solidified her place in history as a pioneer for women’s rights and African American progress.
Rosa Slade Gragg was born on April 30, 1904, in Hampton, Georgia. She was the oldest of seven children born to Willis O. Slade and Sarah V. Haynes Slade. Growing up in a household headed by a minister, she was instilled with strong values of community service and social justice from an early age.
Gragg received her early education in Georgia and went on to attend Morris Brown College in Atlanta, where she graduated summa cum laude. Determined to further her education, she continued her studies at Tuskegee Institute (now Tuskegee University), the University of Michigan, and Wayne State University. Her academic achievements set the foundation for her future as an educator and activist.
On June 10, 1926, Rosa Slade Gragg married James Robert Gragg, a successful businessman in Detroit. The couple had one child, James R. Gragg Jr., who later became a prominent lawyer and judge in Michigan. Tragically, her husband passed away on December 16, 1956, leaving her to continue her work as a single mother.
Gragg began her career as a teacher in Eatonton, Georgia, before assuming the position of principal at both Eatonton High School and Acworth High School. In the 1930s, she formed a close friendship with Eleanor Roosevelt and collaborated with her to improve racial relations. Her dedication to equality led her to become the head of the English department at Central Park College in Savannah, Georgia.
A pivotal moment in Gragg’s career came when she became friends with Mary McLeod Bethune, the founder of the National Council of Negro Women. Inspired by this friendship, Gragg became an organizer and founder of organizations aimed at empowering black women. She played a significant role in creating multiple programs and clubs throughout Detroit.
In 1941, Gragg purchased a house in Detroit that became a gathering place for numerous clubs and organizations. However, her decision faced opposition from some neighbors who were angered by the presence of a black homeowner. Gragg was forced to close off the front door and use the side entrance as the main entrance for the house.
In 1942, Gragg’s advocacy efforts caught the attention of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, and she was appointed to a national advisory board of the Federal Office of Civil Defense. Serving on the Board of the National Volunteer’s Participation Committee of Civil Defense, she became the only black member at that time. Her expertise and perspective were highly valued, and she played a crucial role in shaping civil defense policies and initiatives.
Michigan Governor Murray Van Wagoner recognized Gragg’s commitment to improving race relations and appointed her as the advisor on race relations to the Michigan Office of Civil Defense in 1943. Her appointment highlighted her expertise and dedication to fostering understanding and unity among diverse communities.
In 1947, Gragg and her husband founded the Slade-Gragg Academy of Practical Arts in Detroit. This groundbreaking institution became recognized as the first black vocational school in the city. Affectionately called the Tuskegee of the North, the academy provided training to over 2,000 women and veterans, equipping them with the skills needed to pursue successful careers. Unfortunately, the school closed its doors in 1952, but its impact on the lives of countless individuals cannot be overstated.
Rosa Slade Gragg’s legacy extends far beyond her role as an educator. She tirelessly worked to eliminate racial barriers and create opportunities for black women and minorities. Her involvement in civil defense and her contributions to organizations such as the National Council of Negro Women solidified her as a prominent figure in the fight for civil rights.
Honoring her exceptional achievements and unwavering dedication, Rosa Slade Gragg was posthumously inducted into the Michigan Women’s Hall of Fame in 1987. Her tireless advocacy and determination continue to inspire generations of women, making her an influential figure in women’s history.
Awards:
– Inducted into the Michigan Women’s Hall of Fame in 1987.