African American Trailblazers in Etiquette

My interest in etiquette started when my Mom sent me to Wendy Ward Charm School and as they say the rest is history.   When networking, people often ask me what I do and I tell them, I teach etiquette. Some look at me peculiar, as if only people from certain cultures can teach etiquette. Etiquette is embracing of all cultures, and as a consultant/coach I would be remiss if I did not share with you some of the history and African American trailblazers in etiquette.

Ptahotep

Ptahhotep was an ancient Egyptian vizier (city administrator) who served under Pharaoh Isesi during Egypt’s Fifth Dynasty. He is often regarded as one of the earliest thinkers on ethics and is credited with authoring The Maxims of Ptahhotep, a collection of teachings on proper conduct and moral behavior, particularly for young men.

Dr. Charlotte Hawkins Brown

Dr. Charlotte Hawkins Brown (1883–1961) was an educator and the founder of the Palmer Memorial Institute, a boarding school for African American students which was located in Sedalia, North Carolina, which operated until 1971. She was also the author of The Correct Thing—To Do, To Say, To Wear, an etiquette guide published in 1940.

Maxine Powell

Maxine Powell (1915–2013) founded the Maxine Powell Finishing School in Detroit, Michigan, where she trained African American models. She later became Director of the Artist Development Department at Motown Records in the 1960s. In this role, she instructed artists on grooming, dress, stage presence, and public conduct. Her work included coaching renowned Motown performers such as the Supremes and the Jackson 5.

Ophelia Devore

Ophelia DeVore (1922–2014) was a businesswoman, model, and publisher of The Columbus Times, a newspaper serving the African American community in Georgia. She co-founded Grace Del Marco, one of the first modeling schools and agencies for African Americans, and played a pivotal role in advancing the careers of Diahann Carroll and Cicely Tyson. DeVore also established a charm school in New York’s Empire State Building, where women were trained in etiquette and presentation skills.

LaDonna Carter is a Certified Etiquette consultant with Elements of Society. She can be contacted via web www.elementsofsociety.com or follow her on instagram #etiquette2u.