A Trailblazer for Civil Rights and Social Justice
Anna Arnold Hedgeman was a pioneering political activist, educator, and advocate whose career spanned over six decades. She broke barriers as the first African American woman to serve on the cabinet of a New York City mayor and played a pivotal role in some of the most significant civil rights movements of the 20th century. Her dedication to equality, education, and social justice left an enduring legacy that continues to inspire generations. Anna Arnold was born on July 5, 1899, in Marshalltown, Iowa, to William James Arnold II and Marie Ellen Arnold. During her childhood, the family relocated to Anoka, Minnesota, where they were the only African American family in the community. Her father emphasized the importance of education and instilled a strong work ethic in his children. Arnold learned to read at home before attending school at the age of seven.
After completing high school in 1918, Arnold was accepted into Hamline University in St. Paul, Minnesota, a Methodist institution. In 1922, she became the first African American to graduate from Hamline with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English. Her academic journey was profoundly influenced by hearing Dr. W.E.B. DuBois speak during her time at Hamline, which inspired her to pursue a career in education. Upon graduating, Arnold accepted a teaching position at Rust College in Holly Springs, Mississippi, one of the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). For two years, she taught English and history while witnessing firsthand the harsh realities of racial segregation and discrimination in the South. These experiences deepened her resolve to fight for civil rights.
In 1924, Arnold transitioned from education to social work by joining the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA). During her tenure with the YWCA, she served as executive director of facilities in Springfield, Ohio; Jersey City, New Jersey; Harlem; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and Brooklyn. Her work focused on addressing racial and gender inequities within communities. In 1936, she married Merritt A. Hedgeman, an opera and folk music performer. In 1944, Anna Arnold Hedgeman became the executive director of the National Committee for a Permanent Fair Employment Practices Commission (FEPC), advocating for equal employment opportunities for African Americans. She also briefly served as Assistant Dean of Women at Howard University and worked as a public relations consultant for Fuller Products Company. Additionally, she contributed as an associate editor and columnist for the *New York Age*, a prominent African American newspaper.
Hedgeman’s political involvement grew when she joined Harry Truman’s presidential campaign in 1948. Her efforts helped mobilize African American voters and underscored her growing influence as a civic leader. From 1954 to 1958, Hedgeman made history as the first African American woman to serve on the cabinet of New York City Mayor Robert F. Wagner, Jr. In this role, she worked tirelessly to address issues such as housing inequality and access to education. By the early 1960s, Anna Arnold Hedgeman had cemented her reputation as a respected civil rights leader. In 1963, she played a crucial role in organizing the historic March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. Working alongside A. Philip Randolph and Bayard Rustin, Hedgeman was the only woman among the key event organizers. As Coordinator of Special Events for the Commission of Religion and Race of the National Council of Churches, she successfully recruited over 40,000 Protestant participants for the march.
The event, held on August 28, 1963, drew over 250,000 people to Washington, D.C., where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his iconic “I Have a Dream” speech. Hedgeman’s contributions were instrumental in ensuring the march’s success and its impact on the civil rights movement. In 1965, Hedgeman ran unsuccessfully for City Council President in New York City. Despite this setback, she remained an influential figure in activism and education. During the 1970s, she lectured extensively at universities across the United States and Africa. Hedgeman also authored two books that chronicled her life’s work and reflections on social justice: The Trumpet Sounds (1964) and The Gift of Chaos (1977). Her writings offered valuable insights into her experiences and the broader struggle for equality.
In recognition of her contributions, both Howard University and Hamline University awarded Hedgeman honorary doctorate degrees. Her achievements continue to be celebrated as a testament to her unwavering commitment to civil rights and social progress. Anna Arnold Hedgeman passed away on January 17, 1990, in Harlem. Her remarkable life serves as an enduring example of courage, determination, and leadership in the face of adversity. Through her work as an educator, activist, and civic leader, Hedgeman paved the way for future generations to continue the fight for justice and equality.