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{{short description|Activist}}
{{AFC submission|d|v|u=Writeosaur|ns=118|decliner=CommanderWaterford|declinets=20210429213623|reason2=ilc|ts=20210429210402}} <!-- Do not remove this line! -->
{{Infobox academic
| name = Carolyn Jefferson-Jenkins
| image = <!--(filename only, i.e. without "File:" prefix)-->
| caption =
| birth_name = Carolyn Jefferson
| birth_date = September 19, 1952<ref name="NB"/>
| birth_place =
| death_date = <!--{{death date and age |YYYY|MM|DD |YYYY|MM|DD}} (death date then birth date)-->
| workplaces =
| education = [[Cleveland State University]], Ph.D.<br>[[Kent State University]], M.Ed.<br>[[Kent State University]], Ed.S.<br>[[Western College for Women]], B.A.
| alma_mater = Cleveland State University
| thesis_title = An historical analysis of the relationship between the Great Migration and the administrative policies and practices of racial isolation in the Cleveland public schools, 1920-1940
| thesis_url = https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/{{{740908550}}}
| thesis_year = 1991
| website = <!--{{URL|www.example.com}}-->
}}


Carolyn Jefferson-Jenkins, PhD, served two terms as the 15th president of the [[League of Women Voters of the United States]] and chair of the League of Women Voters Education (1998–2002). She is the only woman of color to have served as national president in the organization's first one hundred years. The organization, established in 1920, is a nonpartisan, activist, grassroots organization that believes women should play an active role in democracy.
'''Carolyn Jefferson-Jenkins''' served two terms as president of the [[League of Women Voters of the United States]]. She served as Vice President of the League of Women Voters of the United States from 1996-1998 before being elected president in 1998. Jefferson-Jenkis served as national president from 1998-2002. She is the only woman of color to have served as national president in the organization's first one hundred years.


== Early life and education ==
Since her tenure as president of the League of Women Voters, she has continued to be an activist for civil rights and social justice, including voting rights for underrepresented populations.
Jefferson-Jenkins was born in Cleveland, Ohio.<ref name="NB">{{Cite book |url=http://archive.org/details/notableblackamer0003unse |title=Notable Black American women |date=1992 |publisher=Detroit : Gale Research |others=Internet Archive |isbn=978-0-8103-4749-6|pages =321–323|last=Smith|first=Jessie Carney}}</ref> She grew up during the American civil rights movement and was inspired by the movement to become active in civics.<ref>Sun Press: September 18, 1993, The Gazette: July 3, 1998</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Sampson |first=Ovotta |date=July 3, 1998 |title=Local woman takes helm of national voters league |url=https://newspaperarchive.com/other-articles-clipping-jul-03-1998-3160418/ |access-date=2022-04-14 |website=newspaperarchive.com |pages=[https://newspaperarchive.com/other-articles-clipping-jul-03-1998-3160418/], [https://newspaperarchive.com/other-articles-clipping-jul-03-1998-3160420] |language=en}}</ref> Jefferson-Jenkins attended [[Western College for Women]] in Oxford, Ohio and graduated with a B.A. education and political science in 1974. She went on to earn an M.Ed. from [[John Carroll University]] in Cleveland, Ohio, and an Ed.S. from [[Kent State University]] in Kent, Ohio. She graduated with her doctorate from [[Cleveland State University]] in 1991,<ref name="wc">{{Cite book |url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/4779813135 |title=Carolyn Jefferson Jenkins |language=English |oclc=4779813135}}</ref> focusing her dissertation work on analyzing the role of administration on racial isolation in Cleveland public schools in the early twentieth century.<ref>{{Cite book |last1=Jefferson |first1=Carolyn |url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/303994571 |title=An historical analysis of the relationship between the Great Migration and the administrative policies and practices of racial isolation in the Cleveland public schools, 1920-1940. |last2=Cleveland State University |last3=College of Education |date=1991 |language=English |oclc=740908550|id={{ProQuest|303994571}} }}</ref>


== Early Life ==
== Career ==
She worked in the Cleveland public schools starting in 1979 until 1993, and then served as principal of Taylor Academy until 1995. Jefferson-Jenkins was a vice president of [[Junior Achievement]] starting in 1995 and was promoted to a vice president in 1996; she left the organization in 1998.<ref name="wc" /> Jefferson-Jenkins filed a suit against Junior Achievement for race discrimination in 1999,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Sampson |first=Ovetta |date=20 July 1999 |title=Former Junior Achievement exec files suit alleging discrimination |work=The Gazette; Colorado Springs, Colo. [Colorado Springs, Colo] |via=[[ProQuest]]}}</ref> the suit was settled in 2002. After leaving Junior Achievement she went on to work for the National Center for Education and the Economy, the University of Colorado at Denver and retired from Douglas County Schools Colorado. She now works with the Center for Racial Justice in Education. <ref>{{Cite news |last=Bortnick |first=Barry |date=1 March 2000 |title=Race bias suit settled/ Sum paid by Junior Achievement undisclosed |work=The Gazette; Colorado Springs, Colo. [Colorado Springs, Colo] |url=https://newspaperarchive.com/other-articles-clipping-mar-01-2000-3160436/ |via=[[ProQuest]]}}</ref>


Jefferson-Jenkins joined the League of Women Voters in 1982, and she led a 1996 "Get Out the Vote" campaign, which registered more than 50,000 voters nationally.<ref name=":1" /> In 1998 she was elected as the 15th President of the League of Women Voters<ref name=":1" /> and subsequently elected to a second term as president; she served from 1998-2002.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Gustafson |first=Kristin |date=2000-06-21 |title=League of Women Votes reelects chief over endorsed St. Paul woman |pages=4 |work=Star Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/99393064/league-of-women-votes-reelects-chief/ |access-date=2022-04-09}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Blake |first=Barbara |date=2000-05-21 |title=President: League of Women Voters vital |pages=29 |work=Asheville Citizen-Times |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/99393151/president-league-of-women-voters-vital/ |access-date=2022-04-09}}</ref> She was the first woman of African descent to serve as president to the league.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Sampson |first=Ovetta |date=3 July 1998 |title=Local woman takes helm of national voters league |work=The Gazette; Colorado Springs, Colo. [Colorado Springs, Colo] |via=[[ProQuest]]}}</ref> While Jefferson-Jenkins served as president, the league helped pass the [[Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act]] in 2002, which closed loopholes in campaign finance.<ref>{{Cite web |date=February 22, 2002 |title=Women voters pass 82 years of activism |url=https://newspaperarchive.com/other-articles-clipping-feb-22-2002-3160461/ |access-date=2022-04-14 |website=newspaperarchive.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Clymer |first=Adam |date=2001-07-14 |title=A Small Victory That Could Mean Defeat |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2001/07/14/us/a-small-victory-that-could-mean-defeat.html |access-date=2022-04-14 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> She also spoke on the need for campaign finance,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Jones |first=Grayden |date=20 June 1999 |title=SPEAKER CRITICIZES CAMPAIGNS WOMEN VOTERS PRESIDENT EMPHASIZES REFORM |pages=B1 |work=Spokesman Review; Spokane, Wash. [Spokane, Wash] |via=[[ProQuest]]}}</ref> worked to increase voting using public awareness ads,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Fass |first=Allison |date=2000-06-13 |title=THE MEDIA BUSINESS: ADVERTISING; Conde Nast, the League of Women Voters and Oldsmobile join forces to urge women to vote. |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2000/06/13/business/media-business-advertising-conde-nast-league-women-voters-oldsmobile-join-forces.html |access-date=2022-04-14 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> sought to broaden participation in democracy,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Williams |first=Melissa |date=18 May 2000 |title=NATIONAL PRESIDENT OF WOMEN VOTERS SPEAKS SATURDAY |pages=B1 |work=Asheville Citizen - Times; Asheville, N.C. [Asheville, N.C] |via=[[ProQuest]]}}</ref> and established a means to increase membership in the League of Women Voters.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Lam |first=Tina |date=2 October 2000 |title=LEAGUE TRIES TO EDUCATE ALL VOTER GROUP BROADENS MEMBERSHIP, APPROACH |pages=B3 |work=Detroit Free Press; Detroit, Mich. [Detroit, Mich] |via=[[ProQuest]]}}</ref> In 2001, Jefferson-Jenkins moderated the Denver segment of a televised Town Hall meeting where [[Kofi Annan]] spoke to help people living in the United States better understand the role of the United Nation in fighting terrorism.<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 11, 2001 |title=Secretary-General Kofi Annan spoke to the American people via satellite as part of a national Town Hall meeting, sponsored by the Better World Campaign. {{!}} United Nations Secretary-General |url=https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/sg/press-encounter/2001-10-11/secretary-general-kofi-annan-spoke-american-people-satellite |access-date=2022-04-14 |website=www.un.org}}</ref>
Carolyn Jefferson-Jenkins is a native of Cleveland, OH. She grew up during the American civil rights movement and was inspired by the movement to become active in civics. <ref> Sun Press: September 18, 1993, The Gazette: July 3, 1998</ref>


In 2014, she moved to North Carolina to work at the Hunt Institute.<ref>{{Cite web |first= |date=2016-04-17 |title=Carolyn Jefferson-Jenkins, Ph.D. |url=https://womensforumnc.org/jefferson-jenkins-ph-d/ |access-date=2022-04-14 |website=Women's Forum of North Carolina |language=en-US}}</ref> Since 2018 Jefferson-Jenkins has worked as an adjunct assistant professor at the [[University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Lordan |first=Claire |date=May 5, 2021 |title=Who is Carolyn Jefferson-Jenkins? |url=https://miamiquarterly.net/695/features/diversity-equity-and-inclusion/who-is-carolyn-jefferson-jenkins/ |access-date=2022-04-14 |website=Miami Quarterly}}</ref>
== Education and Early Career ==


== Awards and honors ==
Jefferson-Jenkins attended Western College for Women in Oxford, Ohio and graduated with a B.A. Education and Political Science in 1974. She went on to earn an M.Ed. in Administration and Supervision from John Carroll University in Cleveland, Ohio, and an Ed.S. in Curriculum and Instruction from Kent State University in Kent, Ohio. She graduated with her doctorate in Urban Education from Cleveland State University in Cleveland, Ohio in 1991, focusing her dissertation work on analyzing the role of administration on racial isolation in Cleveland public schools in the early twentieth century.
In 2001, Distinguished Alumni Award Civic Engagement - Cleveland State University, In 2010, Girl Scouts of Colorado named Jefferson-Jenkins one of eleven "Women of Distinction".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Davidson |first=Joanne |date=2010-08-23 |title=Aiming high to honor Women of Distinction |url=https://www.denverpost.com/2010/08/23/davidson-aiming-high-to-honor-women-of-distinction/ |access-date=2022-04-14 |website=The Denver Post |language=en-US}}</ref> In 2020, Jefferson-Jenkins became the third recipient of the Freedom Summer 1964 Award from Miami University<ref>{{Cite web |date=February 10, 2020 |title=Carolyn Jefferson-Jenkins to receive Freedom Summer of '64 Award |url=https://www.miamioh.edu/news/top-stories/2020/02/jefferson-jenkins-freedom-summer.html}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Wingartner |first=Tana |date=2020-03-02 |title=Freedom Summer Awardees To Be Honored For Championing Voting Rights |url=https://www.wvxu.org/local-news/2020-03-02/freedom-summer-awardees-to-be-honored-for-championing-voting-rights |access-date=2022-04-14 |website=WVXU |language=en}}</ref> Jefferson-Jenkins was the 2021 commencement speaker at [[Miami University]]<ref>{{Cite news |last=Mitchell |first=Madeline |date=7 April 2021 |title=Several local universities plan graduations for class of 2020 |pages=A7 |work=Cincinnati Enquirer; Cincinnati, Ohio [Cincinnati, Ohio] |via=[[ProQuest]]}}</ref><ref name=":0" /> and received an honorary doctorate during that event.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Always a dreamer, Carolyn Jefferson-Jenkins receives honorary doctorate |url=https://www.miamialum.org/s/916/16/interior.aspx?sid=916&gid=1&pgid=19108&cid=36747&ecid=36747&crid=0&calpgid=61&calcid=21717 |access-date=2022-04-14 |website=www.miamialum.org |language=en}}</ref> She was also a recipient of the "Civic Leadership Award" from the [[National Coalition on Black Civic Participation]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=July 12, 2000 |title=League Of Women Voters President Participates In NAACP 91st Annual Convention |work=U.S. Newswire}}</ref>


== Selected publications ==
Jefferson-Jenkins began her career as a public school teacher, vice principal, principal and administrator while she pursued her masters and doctorate degrees. She has also served in higher education as an adjunct professor in a variety of leadership positions in Ohio, Colorado, and nationally.
*{{Cite book |last1=Jefferson |first1=Carolyn |url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/7961981815 |title=One man, one vote: the history of the African-American vote in the United States |last2=Cleveland State University |last3=League of Women Voters of Cleveland |last4=Educational Fund |date=1991 |publisher=LWVCEF in cooperation with Cleveland State University |location=Cleveland, OH |oclc=7961981815}}

*{{Cite book |last=Jefferson-Jenkins |first=Carolyn |url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/1131897150 |title=The untold story of women of color in the League of Women Voters |date=2020 |others=Gracia Hillman |isbn=978-1-4408-7450-5 |location=Santa Barbara, California |oclc=1131897150}}
== Presidency of the League of Women Voters ==

Dr. Jefferson-Jenkins joined the League of Women Voters in 1982. Under her leadership, the league helped pass the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act (BCRA), which closed the most significant loopholes in campaign finance regulation at the time. She also led a charge to focus on local elections while increasing the number of voters who participated in all elections.

Her involvement in the league provided her the platform to explore her passion for voting rights for women, advocacy and equity. Jefferson-Jenkins served in a range of capacities at the local, state, and national levels of the League. She served as a member of the national Board of Directors of the League from 1994-2002 and was Second Vice-President, 1996-1998. Her work catapulted her to success, culminating in her election as the 15th President of the League of Women Voters in 1998. She was the first woman of African descent to serve as president to the league. As a two-term president,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Gustafson |first=Kristin |date=2000-06-21 |title=League of Women Votes reelects chief over endorsed St. Paul woman |pages=4 |work=Star Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/99393064/league-of-women-votes-reelects-chief/ |access-date=2022-04-09}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Blake |first=Barbara |date=2000-05-21 |title=President: League of Women Voters vital |pages=29 |work=Asheville Citizen-Times |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/99393151/president-league-of-women-voters-vital/ |access-date=2022-04-09}}</ref> Dr. Jefferson-Jenkins led the education and advocacy work of this grassroots organization on a wide range of public policy issues. At the time of her presidency there were more than 120,000 members in all 50 states.

Beginning in 2002 she participated in democracy building efforts in Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil, the Netherlands, Israel, and eight African countries through her work with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in these nations. Jefferson-Jenkins was also a senior associate for America's Choice Schools at the National Center on Education and the Economy in Washington, D.C. She also served on the Board of the Women Ambassadors Program at Howard University in Washington, D.C. In 2010, she was named to the Board of the Colorado Judicial Institute.

In 2014, she moved to North Carolina to work at the James B. Hunt Jr. Institute for Educational Leadership and Policy. She currently serves as an Adjunct Assistant Professor in the School of Education at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. Dr. Jefferson-Jenkins is Vice President of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of North Carolina. She also served as Vice President of the Women’s Forum of North Carolina, and remains on their Board. She is active in the League of Women Voters Orange, Durham and Chatham Counties, and served on the Chatham County Elections Task Force. She was recently appointed to the Board of Directors of the ACLU-NC. Before moving to North Carolina, Dr. Jefferson-Jenkins served on the Board of Trustees of the Women’s Foundation of Colorado where she still serves as an honorary Trustee, as well as, the Colorado Board of Nursing, the Colorado Judicial Institute, and a variety of community-based organizations. She continues to advocate for educational excellence and stronger citizen participation in the electoral process. She speaks both nationally and internationally for Women’s Equality Day, Black History Month and Women’s History month events.

== Women’s Voting Rights ==

During her years of service at the national level, Dr. Jefferson-Jenkins oversaw several comprehensive League initiatives. These included the 1996 ''Get Out the Vote'' campaign, which registered more than 50,000 voters nationally; the ''Wired for Democracy'' project, which increased voter education and participation via the Web; and the League’s strategic plan, “The Future Plan,” which emphasized keeping the League relevant through diversity, equity and inclusion.

Throughout her presidency, Dr. Jefferson-Jenkins placed a high priority on campaign finance reform, election reform, education reform and health care, particularly for underrepresented populations. Much of her tenure focused on the League’s initiative “Vision for the 21st Century,” which emphasized League impact, visibility, and organizational development. She encouraged enhanced communications, as reflected in the new League website established in 2000 and the redesigned quarterly magazine, ''The National Voter''. Forward-thinking outreach under her leadership was exemplified by the ''Take a Friend to Vote'' campaign and ''Democracy Net (DNet)'', a nonpartisan voter information website. Through these efforts Dr. Jefferson-Jenkins worked to increase participation in the electoral process and encourage women and ethnic minorities to run for public office.

== Contributions ==

In 2001, Dr. Jefferson-Jenkins moderated the Denver segment of an unprecedented televised Town Hall meeting to help US citizens better understand the UN’s role in fighting terrorism. The convening was co-hosted by UN Secretary Kofi Annan and renowned journalist Walter Cronkite. In 2004, Dr. Jefferson-Jenkins presented at the first Global Congress of Black Women Leaders, co-sponsored by UNESCO and held in Paris, France.

== Issues ==

Dr. Jefferson-Jenkins’ international efforts included supporting democracy-building efforts in Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil, the Netherlands, Israel, and eight African countries. She worked extensively with the non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in these countries and continues to serve on the Board of the Women Ambassadors program at Howard University in Washington, DC.

In her capacity as League spokesperson, Dr. Jefferson-Jenkins participated in more than 1,000 print and media interviews, appearing in segments on C-Span, NPR, Lifetime Television, and Court TV; CNN, ABC, NBC, and CBS affiliates; and Fox News Network. She was tapped for a segment for the Newseum. Dr. Jefferson-Jenkins served as keynote speaker for a host of events, including the Westminster Forum in Minnesota, The Commonwealth Club in California, and The City Club in Ohio. She was a speaker for the United States Department of State, Speakers and Specialist Program. In addition, she served as a Commissioner with the Judicial Independence Committee of the American Bar Association. For three terms, Dr. Jefferson-Jenkins was a judge for the ''Good Housekeeping'' Good Government Award.

Dr. Jefferson-Jenkins has provided testimony before both the US Senate and the US House of Representatives, as well as the Ford/Carter Commission. She is a recognized authority on voting rights of African-Americans and is the author of ''The Road to Black Suffrage'' and ''One Man, One Vote: The History of the African-American Vote in the United States'' published by the League of Women Voters of Cleveland Education Fund. She has also contributed to numerous journals and books on election reform, most notably ''The Electoral College and Counting Votes: The 2000 Election''. Her new book ''The Untold Story of Women of Color in the League of Women Voters'' honors the contributions of these women, in preparation for the organization’s centennial celebration.

== Additional Honors ==

A recipient of numerous awards for her volunteerism and civic involvement, Dr. Jefferson-Jenkins has been recognized in ''Notable Black American Women, Volume III''; ''Who’s Who Among Successful African-Americans''; and ''Who’s Who in American Education''.

Carolyn Jefferson-Jenkins has received various honors during her career:

* ''Freedom Summer 1964 Award'' (2020) Miami University, Oxford, OH
* ''Public Health Hero of the Year'' (2012) Tri County Health Department, Colorado
* Women of Distinction (2010) Girl Scouts of America
* ''Making Democracy Work'' (2010) League of Women Voters Douglas County
* ''Woman of Color'' (2006) Miami University, Women's Center
* ''Making A Difference'' (2004) John Carroll University, Ohio
* Who’s Who in America (2001, 2002)
* Cleveland State University Distinguished Alumni Award - Civic Leadership (2001)
* Spirit of Democracy National Civic Leadership Award (2000) National Coalition on Black Civic Participation
* Young Mills Memorial Award (2000) Cabrini College, Pennsylvania
* Who’s Who Among Successful African Americans (1998)
* Pikes Peak Business and Professional Women Women of the Year (1998)
* Carrie Chapman Catt Good Government Volunteer Award (1995)
* Who’s Who in America Education (1994)
* Teacher Improvement Project Grant (1991)
* Small Grant Award - Cleveland Education Fund (1988)
* Scholarship - Center for Research in Law - Related Education (1998)
* Nominee - Martha Holden Jennings Master Teacher Award (1988)
* PTA Teacher of the Year Award (1987)
* Fellowship - Center for Learning (1986, 1987)
* Outstanding Young Woman In America (1985)

== Published Works ==

* The Road to Black Suffrage
* One Man, One Vote: The History of the African-American Vote in the United States (1991)
* The Untold Story of Women of Color in the League of Women Voters (2020) ISBN 9781440874499

== Post Works ==

Since 2018, Dr. Jefferson-Jenkins has worked as an Adjunct Assistant Professor in the School of Education at the University of North Carolina- at Chapel Hill. Dr. Jefferson-Jenkins continues to be an advocate and activist for civil rights, social justice, educational excellence, and stronger citizen participation in the electoral process for underrepresented populations. She actively serves on numerous Boards boards and advises community-based organizations. Since moving to North Carolina, Dr. Jefferson-Jenkins is the Vice President of the ACLU of North Carolina, served as Vice President of the Women’s Forum of North Carolina and remains on the Board. She is active in the LWV Orange, Durham and Chatham Counties and served on the Chatham County Elections Task Force.

== External Links ==

* [http://archivesspace.lib.miamioh.edu/repositories/2/resources/67 Carolyn Jefferson Jenkins Collection], Miami University Archives, Oxford, Ohio, archival collection of Dr. Jefferson-Jenkins papers held at the Walter Havighurst Special Collections and University Archives.
* [https://www.c-span.org/person/?carolynjeffersonjenkins C-SPAN Appearances], video recordings of C-SPAN appearances featuring Dr. Carolyn Jefferson-Jenkins.


== References ==
== References ==
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== External links ==
*[http://archivesspace.lib.miamioh.edu/repositories/2/resources/67 Carolyn Jefferson Jenkins Collection], Miami University Archives, Oxford, Ohio, archival collection of Dr. Jefferson-Jenkins papers held at the Walter Havighurst Special Collections and University Archives.
*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aUC9xbFsHrU&t=495s Rise and Advocate: The Power of the Vote], video recording of research presentation on Dr. Jefferson-Jenkins by Candace Pine, Manuscripts Librarian, Miami University.
*[https://www.c-span.org/person/?carolynjeffersonjenkins C-SPAN Appearances], video recordings of C-SPAN appearances featuring Dr. Carolyn Jefferson-Jenkins.


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{{DEFAULTSORT:Jefferson-Jenkins, Carolyn}}
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{{Draft categories|
[[Category:Living people]]
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[[Category:1952 births]]
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[[Category:American civil rights activists]]
[[Category:Western College for Women alumni]]
[[Category:John Carroll University alumni]]
[[Category:Cleveland State University alumni]]
[[Category:University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill faculty]]

Latest revision as of 10:10, 4 November 2024

Carolyn Jefferson-Jenkins
Born
Carolyn Jefferson

September 19, 1952[1]
Academic background
EducationCleveland State University, Ph.D.
Kent State University, M.Ed.
Kent State University, Ed.S.
Western College for Women, B.A.
Alma materCleveland State University
ThesisAn historical analysis of the relationship between the Great Migration and the administrative policies and practices of racial isolation in the Cleveland public schools, 1920-1940 (1991)

Carolyn Jefferson-Jenkins served two terms as president of the League of Women Voters of the United States. She served as Vice President of the League of Women Voters of the United States from 1996-1998 before being elected president in 1998. Jefferson-Jenkis served as national president from 1998-2002. She is the only woman of color to have served as national president in the organization's first one hundred years.

Early life and education

[edit]

Jefferson-Jenkins was born in Cleveland, Ohio.[1] She grew up during the American civil rights movement and was inspired by the movement to become active in civics.[2][3] Jefferson-Jenkins attended Western College for Women in Oxford, Ohio and graduated with a B.A. education and political science in 1974. She went on to earn an M.Ed. from John Carroll University in Cleveland, Ohio, and an Ed.S. from Kent State University in Kent, Ohio. She graduated with her doctorate from Cleveland State University in 1991,[4] focusing her dissertation work on analyzing the role of administration on racial isolation in Cleveland public schools in the early twentieth century.[5]

Career

[edit]

She worked in the Cleveland public schools starting in 1979 until 1993, and then served as principal of Taylor Academy until 1995. Jefferson-Jenkins was a vice president of Junior Achievement starting in 1995 and was promoted to a vice president in 1996; she left the organization in 1998.[4] Jefferson-Jenkins filed a suit against Junior Achievement for race discrimination in 1999,[6] the suit was settled in 2002. After leaving Junior Achievement she went on to work for the National Center for Education and the Economy, the University of Colorado at Denver and retired from Douglas County Schools Colorado. She now works with the Center for Racial Justice in Education. [7]

Jefferson-Jenkins joined the League of Women Voters in 1982, and she led a 1996 "Get Out the Vote" campaign, which registered more than 50,000 voters nationally.[3] In 1998 she was elected as the 15th President of the League of Women Voters[3] and subsequently elected to a second term as president; she served from 1998-2002.[8][9] She was the first woman of African descent to serve as president to the league.[10] While Jefferson-Jenkins served as president, the league helped pass the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act in 2002, which closed loopholes in campaign finance.[11][12] She also spoke on the need for campaign finance,[13] worked to increase voting using public awareness ads,[14] sought to broaden participation in democracy,[15] and established a means to increase membership in the League of Women Voters.[16] In 2001, Jefferson-Jenkins moderated the Denver segment of a televised Town Hall meeting where Kofi Annan spoke to help people living in the United States better understand the role of the United Nation in fighting terrorism.[17]

In 2014, she moved to North Carolina to work at the Hunt Institute.[18] Since 2018 Jefferson-Jenkins has worked as an adjunct assistant professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.[19]

Awards and honors

[edit]

In 2001, Distinguished Alumni Award Civic Engagement - Cleveland State University, In 2010, Girl Scouts of Colorado named Jefferson-Jenkins one of eleven "Women of Distinction".[20] In 2020, Jefferson-Jenkins became the third recipient of the Freedom Summer 1964 Award from Miami University[21][22] Jefferson-Jenkins was the 2021 commencement speaker at Miami University[23][19] and received an honorary doctorate during that event.[24] She was also a recipient of the "Civic Leadership Award" from the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation.[25]

Selected publications

[edit]
  • Jefferson, Carolyn; Cleveland State University; League of Women Voters of Cleveland; Educational Fund (1991). One man, one vote: the history of the African-American vote in the United States. Cleveland, OH: LWVCEF in cooperation with Cleveland State University. OCLC 7961981815.
  • Jefferson-Jenkins, Carolyn (2020). The untold story of women of color in the League of Women Voters. Gracia Hillman. Santa Barbara, California. ISBN 978-1-4408-7450-5. OCLC 1131897150.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b Smith, Jessie Carney (1992). Notable Black American women. Internet Archive. Detroit : Gale Research. pp. 321–323. ISBN 978-0-8103-4749-6.
  2. ^ Sun Press: September 18, 1993, The Gazette: July 3, 1998
  3. ^ a b c Sampson, Ovotta (July 3, 1998). "Local woman takes helm of national voters league". newspaperarchive.com. pp. [1], [2]. Retrieved 2022-04-14.
  4. ^ a b Carolyn Jefferson Jenkins. OCLC 4779813135.
  5. ^ Jefferson, Carolyn; Cleveland State University; College of Education (1991). An historical analysis of the relationship between the Great Migration and the administrative policies and practices of racial isolation in the Cleveland public schools, 1920-1940. OCLC 740908550. ProQuest 303994571.
  6. ^ Sampson, Ovetta (20 July 1999). "Former Junior Achievement exec files suit alleging discrimination". The Gazette; Colorado Springs, Colo. [Colorado Springs, Colo] – via ProQuest.
  7. ^ Bortnick, Barry (1 March 2000). "Race bias suit settled/ Sum paid by Junior Achievement undisclosed". The Gazette; Colorado Springs, Colo. [Colorado Springs, Colo] – via ProQuest.
  8. ^ Gustafson, Kristin (2000-06-21). "League of Women Votes reelects chief over endorsed St. Paul woman". Star Tribune. p. 4. Retrieved 2022-04-09.
  9. ^ Blake, Barbara (2000-05-21). "President: League of Women Voters vital". Asheville Citizen-Times. p. 29. Retrieved 2022-04-09.
  10. ^ Sampson, Ovetta (3 July 1998). "Local woman takes helm of national voters league". The Gazette; Colorado Springs, Colo. [Colorado Springs, Colo] – via ProQuest.
  11. ^ "Women voters pass 82 years of activism". newspaperarchive.com. February 22, 2002. Retrieved 2022-04-14.
  12. ^ Clymer, Adam (2001-07-14). "A Small Victory That Could Mean Defeat". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2022-04-14.
  13. ^ Jones, Grayden (20 June 1999). "SPEAKER CRITICIZES CAMPAIGNS WOMEN VOTERS PRESIDENT EMPHASIZES REFORM". Spokesman Review; Spokane, Wash. [Spokane, Wash]. pp. B1 – via ProQuest.
  14. ^ Fass, Allison (2000-06-13). "THE MEDIA BUSINESS: ADVERTISING; Conde Nast, the League of Women Voters and Oldsmobile join forces to urge women to vote". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2022-04-14.
  15. ^ Williams, Melissa (18 May 2000). "NATIONAL PRESIDENT OF WOMEN VOTERS SPEAKS SATURDAY". Asheville Citizen - Times; Asheville, N.C. [Asheville, N.C]. pp. B1 – via ProQuest.
  16. ^ Lam, Tina (2 October 2000). "LEAGUE TRIES TO EDUCATE ALL VOTER GROUP BROADENS MEMBERSHIP, APPROACH". Detroit Free Press; Detroit, Mich. [Detroit, Mich]. pp. B3 – via ProQuest.
  17. ^ "Secretary-General Kofi Annan spoke to the American people via satellite as part of a national Town Hall meeting, sponsored by the Better World Campaign. | United Nations Secretary-General". www.un.org. October 11, 2001. Retrieved 2022-04-14.
  18. ^ "Carolyn Jefferson-Jenkins, Ph.D." Women's Forum of North Carolina. 2016-04-17. Retrieved 2022-04-14.
  19. ^ a b Lordan, Claire (May 5, 2021). "Who is Carolyn Jefferson-Jenkins?". Miami Quarterly. Retrieved 2022-04-14.
  20. ^ Davidson, Joanne (2010-08-23). "Aiming high to honor Women of Distinction". The Denver Post. Retrieved 2022-04-14.
  21. ^ "Carolyn Jefferson-Jenkins to receive Freedom Summer of '64 Award". February 10, 2020.
  22. ^ Wingartner, Tana (2020-03-02). "Freedom Summer Awardees To Be Honored For Championing Voting Rights". WVXU. Retrieved 2022-04-14.
  23. ^ Mitchell, Madeline (7 April 2021). "Several local universities plan graduations for class of 2020". Cincinnati Enquirer; Cincinnati, Ohio [Cincinnati, Ohio]. pp. A7 – via ProQuest.
  24. ^ "Always a dreamer, Carolyn Jefferson-Jenkins receives honorary doctorate". www.miamialum.org. Retrieved 2022-04-14.
  25. ^ "League Of Women Voters President Participates In NAACP 91st Annual Convention". U.S. Newswire. July 12, 2000.
[edit]
  • Carolyn Jefferson Jenkins Collection, Miami University Archives, Oxford, Ohio, archival collection of Dr. Jefferson-Jenkins papers held at the Walter Havighurst Special Collections and University Archives.
  • Rise and Advocate: The Power of the Vote, video recording of research presentation on Dr. Jefferson-Jenkins by Candace Pine, Manuscripts Librarian, Miami University.
  • C-SPAN Appearances, video recordings of C-SPAN appearances featuring Dr. Carolyn Jefferson-Jenkins.
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