THE VFA PIONEER HISTORIES PROJECT

Ada Anderson

October 2, 1921 – June 3, 2021

“My real focus is my great appreciation for education. Education never leaves.  It’s always the core, the center.”

A philanthropist and civil rights champion. Fought racism and gender discrimination and was an advocate for others. First African American elected to the Austin Community College board, 1982. First African American to enroll at the University of Texas Graduate School of Library Science—completing the courses for a master’s degree in 1951, but she could not finish the fieldwork required for the degree because she was not allowed into the Texas State Library. Employment counselor at Texas Employment Commission. Created workshops and seminars on dealing with finances, aimed particularly at women. Served on the Governor’s Commission on the Status of Women.