Asberry, Nettie J., 1865-1968

Nettie J. Asberry was a music teacher who was born Nettie J. Craig on July 15, 1865, in Leavenworth, Kansas. She earned a degree from the Kansas State Conservatory of Music and later earned her Ph.D. from the University of Kansas. She moved to Seattle in 1890 and relocated to Tacoma in 1893. Following her marriage to Albert J. Jones, who died three years after their move to Seattle, she married Henry Joseph Asberry. In 1908 Nettie Asberry helped found the Clover Leaf Art Club, one of the first African American Women’s clubs in the state. She became a leader in the Washington State Federation of Colored Women’s Organizations and served as its president. The organization was founded in 1917 and was known by various names, including the Washington State Federation of Colored Women’s Clubs, the Colored Women’s Federation of Washington and Jurisdiction and, in later years, the Washington State Association of Colored Women (and ... Colored Women's Clubs). Asberry was also a founder of the Tacoma Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and a member of the Progressive Mothers' Club of Tacoma and the Tacoma Inter-Racial Council. Nettie J. Asberry died in 1968.

Nettie J. Asberry (born Nettie J. Craig) was born on July 15, 1865, in Leavenworth, Kansas. After completing a Ph. D. in music from the University of Kansas, she settled in Tacoma in 1893. Nettie J. Asberry was an important figure in early 20th century civil rights efforts in Washington State. She was a founder of the Tacoma branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People as well as the Clover Leaf Art Club, one of the first African American Women's clubs in the state. Other notable memberships include the Washington State Federation of Colored Women's Organizations, the Progressive Mothers' Club, and the Tacoma Inter-Racial Council. Nettie J. Asberry died in 1968.

Nettie J. Asberry (born Nettie J. Craig) was born on July 15, 1865, in Leavenworth, Kansas. After completing a Ph.D. in music from the University of Kansas, she settled in Tacoma in 1893. Nettie J. Asberry was an important figure in early 20th century civil rights efforts in Washington State. She was a founder of the Tacoma branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People as well as the Clover Leaf Art Club, one of the first African American Women's clubs in the state. Other notable memberships include the Washington State Federation of Colored Women's Organizations, the Progressive Mothers' Club, and the Tacoma Inter-Racial Council. Nettie J. Asberry died in 1968.

Madame C.J. Walker (1867-1919) developed and manufactured a line of hair care products. At her death she was one of the wealthiest African Americans in the United States, as well as one of the few self-made female business executives. The portrait in the collection was a publicity photo used by Walker's company. It is the same image used for the Madame C.J. Walker stamp, part of the Black Heritage Commemorative Stamp series issued by the United States Post Office.

Harry T. Burleigh (1866-1949), a protege of Anton Dvorak, was one of the earliest arrangers of African American spirituals, as well as a composer. In 1917 he published a collection called Negro Spirituals. Original compositions include "Just You" and "Little Mother of Mine."

William Pickens (1881-1954) wrote and lectured extensively for civil rights. Works include "The New Negro," "Bursting Bonds," and "Heir of Slaves."