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Otelia Cromwell Day is an annual event named for the
first African-American to graduate from Smith College, in 1900. The event is celebrated
with a series of presentations during the week of Otelia Cromwell Day, which this
year takes place on Thursday, November 1.
Born in Washington, D.C., in 1874, Otelia Cromwell transferred
from Howard University to Smith College in 1898. After teaching in the Washington,
D.C. public schools for a number of years, she resumed her education, receiving an
M.A. from Columbia University and a Ph.D. from Yale University. Cromwell soon became
professor and chair of the English language and literature department at Miner Teachers
College in Washington D.C., remaining there until her retirement in 1944. During
her academic career, she authored three books and numerous articles. She received
an honorary degree from Smith College in 1950. Otelia Cromwell passed away in 1972
at the age of 98.
Mary Maples Dunn, president emeritus of Smith College,
initiated Otelia Cromwell Day in 1989 in an effort to provide the college community
with an opportunity for further education and reflection about issues of diversity
and racism. |
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About
Otelia
Cromwell Day
Coming Soon
Schedule of Events
Related Events
Participant
Biographies |
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