"OUR RICH BLACK HERITAGE" : JANE ELLEN MCALLISTER

Most of the time when I hear people mention Vicksburg, Mississippi, they either say something about the “Famous American Civil War Battle” or the “Casino” in Vicksburg. However, I never ever heard anyone mention the fact that the “First African-American Woman” to receive her Doctorate Degree in Education was born in Vicksburg, Mississippi. Yes, in 1929, Jane Ellen McAllister earned her “PhD in Education”from The Prestigious Columbia University! She was born in Vicksburg, Mississippi , on October 24, 1899. Thanks to her father being employed as a mail carrier, and her mother working as a teacher, Jane and her family were able to live better than many of the Black families of Vicksburg during that time. Also, Jane performed so well in school that she ended up graduating from high school at the age of 15! From there she attended Talladega College in Alabama. Her parents were so proud of her when she graduated with honors in 1919( at the age of 19 ), and became the the youngest college graduate at Talladega! After obtaining her B.A. Degree, Jane accepted a teaching position at Emerson College in Mobile,Alabama. Jane’s hunger for knowledge led her to attend the University of Michigan[ where she earned her M.A. Degree in 1921 ]. Amongst the many Universities she taught and worked during her “50” year career in Education included, Straight University in New Orleans, Louisiana ; over 24 years at Miner Teachers College in Washington D.C.{ where she served as Professor of Education } ; at Jackson College ( at the special request of the president,Jacob L Reddix ) ; Jackson State University ; Southern University[ where she taught piano, Latin, and education ] ; Grambling State University ; Fisk University ; Dillard University ; and Virginia State University. Jane was a tireless crusader for the education of Black teachers and Black students. Along with developing programs for the Universities, she helped oversee the funding for the programs and the Universities as well. Jane Ellen McAllister died in Vicksburg, Mississippi on January 10, 1996. In her memory and for the contributions she made at Jackson State University, the school decided to name a dorm in her honor, and remembers her work with lectures.