Charlotte Hawkins Brown and Palmer Memorial Institute: What One Young African American Woman Could Do

Ms. Brown's story is a history worth remembering. As a young African American educated woman, she embarked on a trip to rural, segregated North Carolina that ultimately changed her life and improved the lives of many poor, uneducated children of former slaves. The decision to stay with her students in North Carolina when she lost her teaching job was a pivotal point in her career, the history of North Carolina education, and the lives of poor, uneducated, children of slave and former slaves. In this book, I found a new S/hero whose leadership, courage, and unself dedication led to the education of children and the creation of a new school, The Palmer Institute. This goal and desire to bring education to the rural South was done many times at risk to her life and health. Still she was undaunted, you will feel her passion and dedication as if you were right there beside her. I was so awed by her life, I chose her as my subject for a 20th century American History college course. I highly recommend this book. Attention faculty teaching African American history, American History, and Women's Studies, this should be listed as recommended reading. Your students will ask a good question, "Why haven't we heard about her before?" Currently, while reading the book, I learned that there is an effort by many to restore and preserve the school's site, her memory and the contributions of many faculty/staff who helped her build The Palmer Institute. I invite you to read the book and share the legacy of Ms. Charlotte Hawkins Brown.