The Providence American staff would like to extend a special Birthday greeting during the nations celebration of Women and of Mothers; to Miss Beatrice Coleman on her lifes achievements. Miss Colemans spirit and attitude has made a difference in the lives of many. Not only her Sorority sisters, her family and friends, but those of us that have come to know her story. So it is with pleasure that we adopt Miss Coleman as our Example of an African American Women of distinction.

Born in Providence RI on 4/20/1904 Miss Beatrice Coleman is celebrating her 108th birthday. Miss Coleman attended Doyle Avenue Elementary School, and was one of Brown (then Penbrokes) Universitys first African American women to graduate in the early 20s. After finishing her degree at Brown (teaching), she wanted to teach but couldnt find a position in her hometown because of her ethnicity, so she moved to Germantown, Pennsylvania where she taught junior high school at a girls only private school where she taught English, Latin and Afro American History.

Beatrice celebrated this momentous day with members of her college sorority. Miss Coleman is a remarkable woman, having become one of Brown Universitys first African American alumnae in an era when many women (regardless of race) didnt finish high school. Education has played a significant role in her life. After finishing her degree at Brown, she wanted to teach but couldnt find a position in her hometown because of her ethnicity, so she moved to Germantown, Pennsylvania where she taught junior high school, before returning to her native Providence. Still active at age 108, she attends many group activities (physical, mental, social and spiritual), reads the Brown Alumni Magazine and Brown Daily Herald and plays the piano.

Return