She’s known as “Great Grandmamma for Obama,” with emphasis on the “great.” Not only has she has spent her life acting as a tireless civil do-gooder and human rights hero, 88 year old Bertha has taken giant leaps to effect change in the United States.
As a teacher, education is one of her top priorities. She has directed Head Start and served as the first coordinator for reading instruction programs in Austin’s junior and senior high schools. According to her website (www.berthameans.com),“in the area of teacher education, she introduced her colleagues to new techniques of reading instruction and designed the reading specialists program, which was funded under the Emergency School Aid Act.”
However, the majority of Bertha’s efforts have gone to civil rights. She has single-handedly aided her children in breaking the color barriers that were so prevalent throughout the 1950s and early 60s. In 1958, she led a peaceful demonstration and spoke on behalf of her daughter, then in high school, who wasn’t allowed to join the rest of her class at Barton Springs Swimming Pool because of her African American background. Further, when Bertha’s children and other young African Americans of the Austin chapter of Jack and Jill of America were denied admission to the Ice Palace Skate Park—she and other mothers formed the Mothers Action Council (MAC), of which Bertha served as Chair of the Direct Action Committee.
Soon, organizing peaceful demonstrations such as sit-ins and stand-ins at segregated establishments became a norm. When her son wanted to play sports at the University of Texas at Austin and they denied him admission because of his race, Bertha immediately contacted the Board of Regents who eventually integrated all sports at the University. In fact, her son James became the first African American letterman at the school, which subsequently led to the integration of the entire Southwest Conference.
Similarly, when St. Stephens Episcopal School told her daughter Patricia that she could not attend, she fought until her daughter was the first Black graduate. Her constant and continuous efforts to promote equality spurred the integration of ALL public accommodation facilities in Austin—which led to the creation of the Human Relations Department of The City of Austin.
The list of awards and achievements that Ms. Bertha has won is too long to fit on this webpage. Bertha’s work stretches far beyond the domestic borders. Bertha is Honorary Consul General for The Kingdom of Lesotho, which involves communication with the Ambassador from Lesotho to the United States and working on the Sister Cities’ relationships. She has been associated with the International Hospitality Council of Austin since its founding in 1958.
Bertha has experienced the great depression and the paid poll tax. She directly participated in the Civil Rights movement, taught school, ran a successful business, and raised her family. Now, at 88 years old, this Great Grandmamma is witnessing the direct repercussions of her lengthy fight for equality. Without the hard work and dedication of people like Bertha, we may have never seen this glorious moment in history.
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