Simkins, Modjeska M. (1899–1992)

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Simkins, Modjeska M. (1899–1992)

African-American civil-rights activist and educator. Born Mary Modjeska Monteith, Dec 5, 1899, in South Carolina; died April 5, 1992; dau. of Henry Clarence Monteith and Rachel Evelyn (Hull) Monteith; Benedict College, AB, 1921; also attended Columbia University, Morehouse College, University of Michigan, and Eastern Michigan University (then Michigan State Normal School); m. Andrew Whitfield Simkins (businessman).

Taught at Booker T. Washington School in Columbia, South Carolina; served as "Director of Negro Work" for South Carolina Tuberculosis Association (1931–42); when the state senate demanded that all state employees break from NAACP, refused and was fired; began her long campaign as an agitator for civil rights.

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