Written by Stacey M. Brown
NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent
@StacyBrownMedia
At one time, black Americans were simply known as people of color, or black people. That was until Ramona Edelin showed up. The activist, known for her pivotal role in promoting civil rights, education reform and community empowerment, died last month at the age of 78 at her home in Washington, D.C. Her death was finally confirmed this week. Dr. Edelin was to blame for cancer.
[BornonSeptember41945inLosAngelesCaliforniaEdeline'schildhoodwasmarkedbyacommitmenttoeducationandsocialjusticeAftershegraduatedfromFiskUniversitywithherbachelor'sdegreein1967shecontinuedfurtherstudiesattheUniversityofEastAngliainEnglandaccordingtoherbiographyinHistoryMakersSheearnedhermaster'sdegreebeforeearningherPhDSheattendedBostonUniversityin1981[1945年9月4日にカリフォルニア州ロサンゼルスで生まれたエデリンの幼少期は、教育と社会正義への取り組みによって特徴づけられました。HistoryMakersの彼女の伝記によると、1967年に学士号を取得してフィスク大学を卒業した後、イギリスのイーストアングリア大学でさらなる研究を続けました。彼女は博士号を取得する前に修士号を取得しました。1981年にボストン大学で。
Edelin's contributions to academia and activism were wide-ranging. She played a central role in popularizing the term “African American” with the Rev. Jesse L. Jackson in the late 1980s.
Mr. Jackson had announced on behalf of the summit organizers, including Dr. Edelin, that he preferred “African Americans.” “Just as we were called people of color and were not, just as we were called blacks and were not, there is no basis for being called blacks.” , adding that “African Americans” “have a cultural integrity” that “puts us in that position.” Our proper historical background. ”
“Calling ourselves African American is the first step in a cultural offensive,” Edelin later told Ebony magazine, calling the name change an opportunity for black Americans to reconnect with their history and heritage. It is associated with a “cultural renaissance.''
“Who are we if we don't recognize our homeland?” she asked later. “When a kid in the ghetto calls himself African American, that kid immediately becomes international. You took him out of the ghetto and put him on earth.”
The HistoryMakers bio states that Edelin's academic pursuits led her to found and serve as chair of Northeastern University's African American Studies Department, where she established herself as a leading voice.
Edelin, who transitioned from academia to advocacy, joined the National Urban Coalition in 1977 and eventually rose to become president and CEO. During her tenure, she spearheaded initiatives such as the Say Yes to Youth Futures program, which provides critical math, science and technology support to urban youth and teachers of color. Her biography notes that her Edelin efforts spread across the country through partnerships with organizations such as the National Science Foundation and the U.S. Department of Education.
President Bill Clinton recognized Edelin's expertise and appointed her to the President's Commission on Historically Black Colleges and Universities in 1998. She also served as co-founder and treasurer of the Black Leadership Forum, solidifying her position as a respected leader in the African American community.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Edelin has served on numerous boards, including chairing the District of Columbia Educational Goals 2000 Committee and serving on the Federal Advisory Committee for the Black Community Movement for Children. I worked hard on meetings and committees.
Throughout her life, Edeline was widely recognized for her contributions. Ebony magazine recognized her as one of the 100 Most Influential Black Americans, and she has received prestigious awards such as the Southern Christian Leadership Award for her progressive leadership and her IBM Community Executive Program Award. was awarded.