Holland, Endesha Ida Mae, 1944-2006

Endesha Ida Mae Holland (August 29, 1944 – January 25, 2006) was an American scholar, playwright, and civil rights activist.[1]

Born in Greenwood, Mississippi Later she was expelled from school and became a prostitute Upon hearing that members of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) had come to Greenwood, Holland sought out one of the male members in hopes of soliciting him for prostitution. The man, however, led her directly to the committee's office hoping to convince her to become involved. On witnessing the office operations, Holland found herself deeply impressed by the sight of African-Americans conducting themselves in such a businesslike manner and she began volunteering there She got a high school equivalency diploma, encouraged by her colleagues in the civil rights movement.[1] She studied at the University of Minnesota beginning that year, where she helped start an African-American studies department, and initiated Women Helping Offenders (WHO), a prison-aid program.[2][3] In 1979 Holland earned a bachelor's degree in African-American studies from the University of Minnesota, followed by a master's degree in American Studies in 1984 and a PhD. in American studies in 1986 She was the author of six plays