"Anna-Arnold-Hedgeman" (July 5,1899-January 17,1990)

Political activist and educator was the first African American woman to serve on the cabinet of a New York mayor when she worked during the term of New York city Mayor Robert-Wagner from from 1957-1958.Her career spanned

more than six decades as an advocate for civil rights.In 1963 she helped Asa Philip Randolph and Bayard Rustin plan the March on Washington and was the only woman among the key event organizers.

Anna was born in Marshall,Iowa to William James Arnold II & Marie Ellen Arnold.When Anna was a child,the family moved to Anoka,Minnesota where the Arnolds were the only African American African American family in the community.Her daddy created an environment that prioritized education and a strong work ethic.Anna learned how to read  at home and was not allowed to attend school until she was seven years old.

After graduating from high school in 1918,Anna was accepted into Hamline University, a Methodist college in St.Paul ,Minnesota.She graduated four years later with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English,the first African American to earn a degree at that institution.While at Hamline,Anna heard Dr.W.E.B.DuBois give and address and was inspired to became an educator.

Historically Black Colleges & Universities.She taught English and history there for two years.While in Mississippi she experienced racial segregation and discrimination for the the first time,leading to her later involvement in the civil rights movement.

In 1924,she left Holly Springs and began a career with the Young Women's Christian Association (Ywca).Between 1924 & 1938 she was executive director of YWCA facilities in Springfield  (Ohio) Jersey City ( New Jersey),Harlem Philadelphia (Pennsylvania),and Brooklyn.In 1936 Anna married Merritt A.Hedgeman,an opera and folk music performer.

In 1944 She was appointed to be executive director of the National Committee for  Permanent Fair Employment Practices Commission.She also served briefly as Assistant dean of Women at Howard University,as public realtions consultant for Fuller Products Company,and as associate editor and columnist for the New York Age.In 1948 she worked on the Harry Presidential campaign.

From 1854-1958,Anna servd in the cabinet of New York Mayor Robert F.Wagner,Jr.She was the first African American woman to hold that position.By the early 1960s,Anna was well-respected  as a civil leader  and helped Asa Philip Randolph and Baynard Rustin plan the 1963 March on Washington,who brought over 250,000 people to the nation's capital.As the Coordinator of Special Events for the Commission of Relligion and Race of the National Council of Churches,Anna recruited over 40,000 Protestants who participated in the Augustin 28,march.In 1965 Anna ran unsuccessfully for City Council President in New York.

By the 1970s Anna was frequent lecturer at African and U.S. universities.she also wrote two books about her life's work: The Trumpet Sounds (1964),and The Gift of Chaos (1977).Both Howard and Hamline University have awarded Anna honorary doctor degrees.

Anna who had been a resident of the Greater Harlem Nursing Home,died in Harlem Hospital.

There are no immediate surviors.