South Carolina’s Mamie Garvin Fields was a true Chalkboard Champion and indefatigable community activist. Photo credit: Blackthen.com
Many talented educators also become well-known for their community service and activism. One of these is Mamie Garvin Fields, a teacher and principal from Charleston, South Carolina.
Mamie was born on August 13, 1888, in Charleston. As a young girl, she attended Miss Anna Eliza Izzard’s School, the public Shaw School, and then Claflin College. At Claflin, she completed her high school education, earned her degree in Domestic Science, and completed the requirements for her teaching license.
Mamie inaugurated her career as a teacher in 1908 at Pine Wood School, which served primarily African American students in those days. The following year, she became one of the first African American teachers to be hired to work in public schools in Charleston County. Later she became the principal of Miller High School on Johns Island, a position she served for two years.
Mamie left the classroom to marry and raise a family, but she returned to the classroom in 1926. She accepted a teaching position at the Society Corner School,. She taught there until her retirement in 1943.
In addition to her responsibilities in the classroom, Mamie was active as a member of the National Association of Colored Women’s Clubs, Inc. (NACWC) and the Charleston Federation of Colored Women’s Club. In addition, she in 1927 co-founded the Modern Priscilla Club of Charleston. Once she retired, the indefatigable educator volunteered in many local civid organizations and women’s clubs. She joined the National Association of Colored Women’s Club, served as President of the South Carolina Federation of Colored Women’s Club from 1958 through 1964, and as the Superintendent of the Marion Birnie Wilkinson Home for Girls located in Cayce, South Carolina from 1960 to 1963.
As if all this were not enough, she wrote her memoir, which she entitled Lemon Swamp and Other Places. The volume, published in 1983, covered her life and work in South Carolina from 1888 until her passing.
For her work as an educator and activist, Mamie earned many accolades. She was named the state’s Outstanding Oder Citizen from the South Carolina Commission on Aging.
Mamie passed away on July 30, 1987, in her home town of Charleston, South Carolina. She was 99 years old. To read more about this remarkable Chalkboard Champion, see the entry about her published in the South Carolina Encyclopedia.