In Memoriam

Alberta Turner (1909-2008)

Alberta Turner, long-time university professor and civil rights activist, has died at the age of 98 in Hilo, Hawaii. Turner was a member of the faculty at Wilberforce University, Bennett College, and Ohio State University. She is believed to be the first African American to earn a Ph.D. in psychology from Ohio State.

Turner began her career as an activist by showing up at the all-white prom put on by her high school in 1925. She was active in the civil rights movement for the next several decades.

Turner also served as president of Jack and Jill of America, a national organization that is an advocate for black youth.

Copyright © 2008. The Journal of Blacks in Higher Education. All rights reserved.