Tuskegee Institute in Macon County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)

Jessie Parkhurst Guzman

— The Tuskegee Civil Rights and Historic Trail —

Photographed by Mark Hilton, September 20, 2019

1. Jessie Parkhurst Guzman Marker

Inscription. Jessie Parkhurst Guzman (1898-1996) was born in Savannah, Georgia, educated at Howard University (BA, 1919) and Columbia University (MA, 1924), and worked at Tuskegee University for over forty years. During Guzman's time at Tuskegee University, she served as director of the Department of Research and Records (now called the archives) and Dean of Women (1938-1944). In 1950, she was named Tuskegee's Woman of the Year, and in 1954, she sought public office with the Macon County Board of Education. This was the first attempt to run for office by a black citizen since Reconstruction. She was also the first black female to seek office in the state of Alabama. She was an active organizer in the civil rights movement and served as assistant secretary of the Southern Conference Educational Fund. Her book, Crusade for Civic Democracy: The Story of the Tuskegee Civic Association, 1941-1970 (1983), provides an in-depth look at civil rights work in Tuskegee. Guzman continued serving as a civil rights advocate throughout her retirement.

Erected 2019 by City Of Tuskegee, Tuskegee University, Jewish American Society for Historic Preservation.

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(Marker Number 6.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Civil Rights • Education • Women. In addition, it is included in the Historically Black Colleges and Universities, the Jewish American Society for Historic Preservation., and the Tuskegee Civil Rights and Historic Trail, Alabama series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1950.

Location. 32° 25.68′ N, 85° 42.436′ W. Marker is in Tuskegee Institute, Alabama, in Macon County. It is on NW Chambliss Street south of West Montgomery Road, on the left when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1210 NW Chambliss Street, Tuskegee Institute AL 36088, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the American South,

specifically in the Deep South,

and in the Black Belt.

Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and

Marker at the Tuskegee University Local Alumni Club House image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Hilton, September 20, 2019

2. Marker at the Tuskegee University Local Alumni Club House

the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Tuskegee Civic Association (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Fred David Gray (about 400 feet away); The Tuskegee Institute Advancement League (about 600 feet away); The Oaks (about 600 feet away); Dorothy Hall (about 700 feet away); Great Philanthropists (about 700 feet away); Historic Quadrangle (about 700 feet away); Julius Rosenwald (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Tuskegee Institute.

Also see . . . Wikipedia article on Jessie Parkhurst Guzman. (Submitted on September 20, 2019, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.)

The view north towards the Tuskegee University Campus. image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Hilton, September 20, 2019

3. The view north towards the Tuskegee University Campus.

Dedication program and associated map of trail. image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Hilton, September 20, 2019

4. Dedication program and associated map of trail.

All thirteen new markers were dedicated on September 20th, 2019 at the Tuskegee Municipal Complex.

Please note #1 on the map, Amelia Boynton Robinson marker is actually on Franklin Road, NNW of Tuskegee University, near Boy Scout Circle.

Credits. This page was last revised on October 3, 2019. It was originally submitted on September 20, 2019, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 662 times since then and 11 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on September 20, 2019, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.