Edna Meade Colson: Educator, Suffragist, and Trailblazing Alpha Kappa Alpha Soror

Dr. Edna Meade Colson (1888–1985) left an indelible mark on education, civil rights, and women’s suffrage — all while carrying on the legacy of service as a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

Born in Petersburg, Virginia, Colson was raised by educator parents and pursued her own scholarly path at Fisk University, where she earned a B.A. in Education in 1915. She went on to earn additional degrees (B.S., M.A., and ultimately a Ph.D. in 1940) from Teachers College, Columbia University. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1} Because Virginia’s segregated institutions did not offer graduate work for African Americans at the time, Colson’s journey reflected both perseverance and purpose. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

Her professional life was rooted in uplift. At Virginia State University (then Virginia Normal and Industrial Institute), she taught, oversaw student teaching, directed the Normal School, and later became the inaugural director of the School of Education when it opened in 1951. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3} Even after retiring in 1953, her influence continued as she remained an advocate for expanding educational access. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

Beyond academic halls, Colson was a champion for civic equality. She was among the first Black women to register to vote following ratification of the 19th Amendment in 1920. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5} Within the AKA community, she was a charter member of the *Delta Omega* Chapter in Petersburg, Virginia, and served as its third president. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}

Colson also stands as an early icon in queer history: she shared her lifelong home, “Azurest South,” with her partner Amaza Lee Meredith, an architect and designer. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7} Their partnership and home are remembered today as a quiet defiance in a time of repression. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}

Her life, bridging education, voting rights, Black women’s civic leadership, and personal authenticity, remains a beacon. Within the context of Black Greekdom and the broader civil rights journey, Colson exemplifies how service, scholarship, and identity can intersect to uplift communities.

Source & inspiration: WatchTheYard.com