Hallie Q. Brown Demo Site

Community Center Since 1929, the Lighthouse of the Community

Life & Legacy

The Life and Legacy of Hallie Q. Brown

One of six children, Hallie Quinn Brown was born in 1845 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to Thomas Arthur Brown and Frances Jane Scroggins, both former slaves. Both of her parents were well educated. Her father became known as “Mr. Brown, the walking encyclopedia”, and her mother was an unofficial advisor and counselor to the students of Wilberforce University, a private, coeducational, historically black liberal arts college. Both Thomas and Frances were actively involved with the Underground Railroad and their commitment to the cause would later influence the organizations Brown founded and participated in.
1873
Graduates Wilberforce University in 1873 with a Bachelor of Science degree.
1873
Teaches black workers and children literacy at plantations throughout the south.
1885-1887
Graduates Wilberforce University in 1873 with a Bachelor of Science degree.

Authored Works

Brown authored several books and prose collections. Brown’s works commonly address such topics as the importance of history and of social change, often using African American vernacular to stress these messages with the goal of helping to educate.
  • Bits and Odds: A Choice Selection of Recitations, 1880
  • First Lessons in Public Speaking, 1920
  • The Beautiful: A Story of Slavery, 1924
  • Tales My Father Told. 1925 Homespun Heroines and Other Women of Distinction, 1926
  • 
This book is of particular note, in which Brown tells the life story of 60 African American women and describes significant events and accomplishments in each of the their lives.
  • In the introduction Brown states: “This book is presented as an evidence of appreciation and as a token of regard for the history-making women of our race.”
Get an online version of the book.

Location & Contact

Hallie Q Brown Community Center

Mission

The mission of Hallie Q. Brown Community Center, Inc is to improve the quality of life in our community by providing access to critical human services, fostering and promoting personal growth, and developing community leadership.

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