Rita Smith-Wade-El
Rita Smith-Wade-El | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1 October 1948 Washington, D.C. |
| Died | 29 December 2018 (aged 70) Lancaster, Pennsylvania |
| Occupation | Academic |
| Nationality | American |
| Subject | Psychology, African-American studies |
Rita Smith-Wade-El (October 1, 1948 – December 29, 2018)[1] was an American professor of psychology, women's studies, and African-American studies.
Early life and education[edit]
Smith-Wade-El was born in Washington, D.C. to Eva Mae and James Edward Smith.[2][3] She received her bachelor's degree in psychology from Barnard College and both her master's degree and Doctor of Philosophy in psychology at the University of Pennsylvania.[4] In her youth, she was a member of the Black Panther Party and Students for a Democratic Society.[5]
Career[edit]
Smith-Wade-El was a professor of psychology, Pan-African studies, and women's studies at Temple University for ten years.[3][4] For 35 years she taught at Millersville University of Pennsylvania, where she was the director of African-American studies.[3] She created the African-American studies minor and was instrumental in the creation of the Latino studies minor.[3] She left the university in 2018 due to her diagnosis of breast cancer.[6] She was the education chair of the Lancaster, Pennsylvania branch of the NAACP.[7]
Personal life[edit]
Smith-Wade-El resided in Lancaster, Pennsylvania for more than thirty years.[4] She had two sons, the younger of whom is politician Ismail Smith-Wade-El.[5] She was a devout Roman Catholic.[2] She died of triple-negative breast cancer in 2018 at the age of 70, having first been diagnosed with the disease in 2008.[8]
Honors[edit]
Smith-Wade-El was the recipient of numerous awards and honors, including the Essence of Humanity Award given by the Crispus Attucks Community Center.[4] In 2018, Millersville University renamed its Intercultural Center to the Dr. Rita Smith-Wade-El Intercultural Center.[6] The former James Buchanan Elementary School in Lancaster was renamed in her honor to Rita Smith-Wade-El Elementary School in 2021.[7]
References[edit]
- ^ Home, Charles F. Snyder Funeral. "Obituary for Rita Smith-Wade-El | Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home". Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory. Retrieved 2024-03-12.
- ^ a b Writer, JENNIFER KOPF | Staff (2018-09-21). "For longtime Millersville professor and social justice advocate Rita Smith-Wade-El, the process of dying is another opportunity to teach". LancasterOnline. Retrieved 2024-03-12.
- ^ a b c d Correspondent, Jay Scott Smith Tribune (2018-10-19). "Pioneering professor leaves a lasting legacy at Millersville". The Philadelphia Tribune. Retrieved 2024-03-12.
- ^ a b c d Kacskos, Janet (2018-12-29). "Dr. Rita Smith-Wade-El: 1948-2018". Millersville News. Retrieved 2024-03-12.
- ^ a b Writer, MIKE ANDRELCZYK | Staff Writer and JADE CAMPOS | Staff (2022-11-09). "Meet Izzy Smith-Wade-El, Lancaster's first Black, queer Pa. state representative". LancasterOnline. Retrieved 2024-03-12.
- ^ a b khartman (2019-02-04). "Dr. Rita Smith-Wade-El, 1948-2018: Elephants, Scholarships and Service". Millersville News. Retrieved 2024-03-12.
- ^ a b Lancaster, One United (2021-05-21). "Lancaster schools renamed for Hazel Jackson, Rita Smith-Wade-El". One United Lancaster. Retrieved 2024-03-12.
- ^ Writer, HEATHER STAUFFER | Staff (2018-12-31). "Remembering Rita Smith-Wade-El, a longtime Millersville University professor & social justice advocate". LancasterOnline. Retrieved 2024-03-12.
- 1948 births
- 2018 deaths
- African-American psychologists
- African-American educators
- Black studies scholars
- Millersville University of Pennsylvania people
- 20th-century African-American academics
- 21st-century African-American academics
- 21st-century American academics
- Educators from Washington, D.C.
- 20th-century American women educators
- 21st-century American women educators