Norma Elizabeth Boyd
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Norma Elizabeth Boyd as a black student was one of two women who was both a founder and an incorporator of Alpha Kappa Alpha. She is best know for her work in establishing the Non-Partisan Council on Public Affairs in 1938.
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[edit] History
Norma Elizabeth Boyd entered Howard University College of Arts and Sciences in September, 1906. In February 1908, she was admitted into the newly formed Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority without initiation, one of seven students in the sophomore class so honored. When she joined the sorority it was unincorporated. She majored in mathematics and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1910.
In 1912, a dichotomy existed within the members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority (AKA) at Howard . The split was over the direction the sorority was taking. In 1913, twenty-two women resigned and formed Delta Sigma Theta.
In an effort to keep Alpha Kappa Alpha alive in 1913, she joined Nellie Quander and Minnie Smith on the committee formed to incorporate the sorority and on January 29, 1913, Articles of Incorporation were filed with the Recorder of Deeds in Washington, D.C. Thus, Alpha Kappa Alpha, the first sorority for Black women in America, became the first to be incorporated. Ms. Boyd was one of only two women who were both a founder and an incorporator of Alpha Kappa Alpha. She was named to the position of epistoleus on the first Directorate, and following that time, held many positions of honor in Alpha Kappa Alpha. She served as North Atlantic regional director, twice as basileus of Alpha Chapter, and as charter member and basileus of Xi Omega Chapter.
In addition, she chaired the first committee to raise funds for the Mississippi Health Project. Many individuals believe, however, that her greatest contribution to the sorority was the establishment of the Non-Partisan Council on Public Affairs in 1938.
[edit] Non-Partisan Council
The Non-Partisan Council, which produced the first full-time congressional lobby for minority group rights, was designed to secure full citizenship for all members of our society. It promoted cooperative social action to eliminate discrimination at all levels of government and thus to ensure a fully integrated society.
In her statement of intent for the lobby, Ms. Boyd said, ". . . We can ask for and support such measures as will assure for our people decent living conditions, permanent jobs, and a voice in determining the conditions under which they live and work. We can effect these objectives only by making our power felt in the halls and floors of Congress, and activity toward this end begins with participation in the primaries of our land."
The council was in existence for ten years. During that time, Ms. Boyd developed the program of social and legislative action which was to win national and international respect for the sorority, and would lead to the establishment of the American Council on Human Rights. The council was the first sorority or fraternity organization recognized as an accredited observer by the United Nations. Ms. Boyd was awarded a citation as "Woman of the Year in the Field of Legislation" from the National Council of Negro Women on June 13, 1948.
[edit] Women's International Religious Fellowship
During her time as an obeserver at the UN Ms Boyd became interested in Principle 10 of the Declaration of Human Rights, the rights of children. In 1959 she oraganized and went on to lead the Women's International Religious Fellowship. The fellowship, composed of women representing the world's religions and cultures, is dedicated to safeguarding children's rights where and however they might be violated.
Ms. Boyd traveled extensively throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, South America and the British West Indies. Her travels, contributions, career in education, the suffrage movement and human rights are chronicled in her autobiography, "A Love That Equals My Labor Women of vision, integrity and dedication are found throughout the story of Alpha Kappa Alpha."
Ms. Norma Boyd, the longest living of the founders, exemplified all these virtues and by the example of her life, served as an inspiration to many. A founder and incorporator of the sorority and founder and director of the National Non-Partisan Council on Public Affairs, she combined the ideals of service to others with a warmth and humanity recognized and appreciated wherever she was. Norma Elizabeth Boyd died in Washington, D.C. on January 4, 1985.
[edit] Member of
Norma Boyd was a member of many professional organizations including the:
- National Council of Mathematics Teachers
- American Federation of Teachers
- American Teacher's Association
- International Committee of the Temple of Understanding
- Audio-Visual Committee of the Federation of Churches
- All Saints Unitarian Church of Washington, D.C. and chaired its World Fellowship Inter-Faith Committee during 1958 and 1959.
- Women's International Religious Fellowship
- Non-Partisan Council
- Pan-American Liaison Committee
- East-West Association
- She served as president of the Washington chapter of the International House Association
- People's Mandate Committee
- Women's International League for Peace and Freedom
