Lucy Diggs Slowe | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | July 4, 1885[1] |
| Died | October 21, 1937 (aged 52)[1] Washington, D.C., U.S.[1] |
| Occupation(s) | educator, college dean, and tennis champion, founder of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated; |
| Partner | Mary P. Burrill[2] |
| Parent(s) | Henry Slowe and Fannie Potter[1] |
Lucy Diggs Slowe (July 4, 1885 – October 21, 1937) was an American educator and athlete, and the first Black woman to serve as Dean of Women at any American university. She was a founder of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority, the first sorority founded by African-American women.
Slowe was a tennis champion, winning the national title of the American Tennis Association's first tournament in 1917, the first African-American woman to win a major sports title. In 1922, Slowe was appointed the first Dean of Women at Howard University. She continued in that role for 15 years until her death. In addition, Slowe created and led two professional associations to support college administrators.
- ^ a b c d e McNealey, Earnestine G. (2006). Pearls of Service: The Legacy of America's First Black Sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha. Chicago: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. p. 43.
- ^ "Slowe, Lucy Diggs (1885–1937)". IEncyclopedia.com. 2002. Retrieved March 10, 2018.
During the last 15 years of Slowe's life, Mary Burrill , a recognized Washington, D.C., public school teacher and playwright, was her partner and housemate.