WKCTC Hosts Event to Recognize Extraordinary Kentucky Women in History March 27

Paducah, KY (03/13/2019) — Anna Mac Clarke, Willa Beatrice Brown, Madeline McDowell Breckinridge and Sophia Kindrick Alcorn. These are just a few of the names on a long list of extraordinary women in Kentucky's history who crossed society boundaries. West Kentucky Community and Technical College will host a free event to celebrate these women and many others March 27 at 11 a.m. in Matheson Library.

"We wanted to take the time to honor the women of our state who were not held back by race or gender and who are responsible for many of the rights today's women enjoy," said Legatha Spelbring, associate professor of English and instructor for Women's Studies classes at WKCTC.

Anna Mac Clarke (Anderson County, 1919-1944) was one of the first black Kentucky women to enlist during World War II in the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps. When promoted to a Platoon Leader in 1943, Clark became the first African American WMC to command a white platoon and was instrumental in the desegregation of the Douglas Army Airfield in Douglas, Ariz.

Willa Beatrice Brown (Barren County, 1906-1992) began flight lessons at Chicago's Aeronautical University in 1934. In 1937, she received both a master's degree from Northwestern University and her pilot's license, making her the first African American woman to be licensed to fly in the United States. In 1939, she received her commercial pilot's license, making her the first African American woman to make a career of aviation and the person most responsible for preparing African Americans pilots for World War II.

Madeline McDowell Breckinridge (Fayette County, 1872-1920) was one of Kentucky's most active suffragists and a fervent supporter of the 19th amendment.

Sophia Kindrick Alcorn (Boyle County, 1883-1967) was a teacher at the Kentucky School for the Deaf developed the Tad-Oma Method for teaching children who are deaf and/or blind that is used internationally today.

For more information, contact Legatha Spelbring at legatha.spelbring@kctcs.edu or 270-534-3202

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