Wickliffe, Letty M., 1902-

Teacher; Ann Arbor, Michigan, community activist; member of the North Central Property Owners Association in Ann Arbor.

From the description of Letty M. Wickliffe papers, 1860?-1992? (bulk 1960s-1976). (University of Michigan). WorldCat record id: 81362081

Born on January 25, 1902, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Letty Wickliffe is the daughter of an escaped slave, Joseph Holt Wickliffe and Mary Jewett Wickliffe. She grew up in the Ann Arbor area and attended the University of Michigan, receiving a bachelor's degree in education in 1924 and a master's degree in psychology in 1938.

Letty Wickliffe taught from 1924 to 1928 in a segregated Dallas, Texas, high school before moving to Indianapolis, Indiana where she spent the remainder of her educational career at Crispus Attucks High School, a school serving the African-American community. While there she was head of the Department of Exceptional Children for forty years and received various awards for her work in the field of education. Former student, now actor Meshach Taylor, was so influenced by Wickliffe that he invited her to appear on the television talk show "Vicki!" as the teacher who made the most difference in his life.

After retiring in 1969, she returned to her hometown of Ann Arbor to begin a second career as a community activist and volunteer for the Republican party. Among the organizations that she headed or played an integral role in are the North Central Property Owner's Association, Ann Arbor 2000 Board, Ann Arbor Public Library Advisory Committee, Kerrytown Council Board, and the Citizen's Association for Area Planning. She also served the Republican party as vice chair of the Washtenaw County Committee, a member of the Republican City Committee, and a candidate for several local offices. In addition, she was an alternate delegate at the 1980 convention and attended the Reagan/Bush inaugural ceremonies in 1981.

Letty Wickliffe has received many awards and honors for her participation in her many endeavors. These awards include a Citation for Distinguished Professional Leadership by the Council for Exceptional Children, a listing in Who's Who in Special Education, the Book of Golden Deeds Award and a Presidential Certificate of Appreciation from George Bush. More recently, she was honored by a 90th birthday party celebration, which was attended by the many friends she has made throughout her educational and retirement careers.

From the guide to the Letty M. Wickliffe papers, ca. 1860s-ca. 1992, 1960s-1976, (Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan)