Bernadette Pruitt highlighted the academic journey and life of Artemisia Bowden to teach history of Black women in higher education. Courtesy: UHD College of Public Service.
UHD recently hosted the “Rise of Black Women in Higher Education,” event featuring UHD associate professor of history Bernadette Pruitt. The event was part of UHD’s VitalVoices Speaker Series and focused on the achievements of Black women in academia, with a particular emphasis on Artemisia Bowden, a pioneering educator and the founder of St. Philip’s College in San Antonio.
Pruitt’s talk highlighted the academic journey of Artemisia Bowden, born in 1879 to formerly enslaved parents in Georgia. Bowden grew up in an era when systemic racism severely limited educational opportunities for Black Americans. Despite these challenges, Bowden forged a path as a transformative figure in Texas’ higher education, whose dedication to education expanded opportunities for marginalized communities.
In 1902, Bowden accepted an invitation to teach at St. Philip’s Industrial School in San Antonio, which would later become St. Philip’s College. Under Bowden’s leadership, the institution expanded from a small parochial school to a thriving junior college. Pruitt especially highlighted Bowden’s dedication to expanding academic opportunities for Black students during this period. “She understood the power of education in combating systemic racism,” Pruitt said during her presentation.
Pruitt is a distinguished scholar whose research centers on the Black experience in the US and has been a member of UHD’s history department since 1996. She is the first Black woman to earn a Ph.D. in history from the University of Houston and has devoted her career to examining themes such as the internal migrations of the Black diaspora, the modern civil rights movement, and Black community-building efforts.
“Considering the times we’re living in and the backlash against diversity, equity, and inclusion, I thought it would be essential–crucial–to recognize the achievements of Black women across academia,” Pruitt said.
Pruitt also addressed the challenges that Bowden faced as a Black woman navigating a society still grappling with the legacy of slavery. “Bowden, like most Southern African Americans, traced her familial lineage to North American slavery and West Central Africa,” she said. “Bowden’s success came despite living under the weight of intersectionality, navigating racism, sexism, and class oppression.”
Although a Black woman founded St. Philip’s College and the school historically catered to Black students, it is not widely recognized as an historically Black college or university due to its current demographics. “[The student population] is only 9 percent African American,” Pruitt said, “so therefore, it is not defined as an historically Black college.”
Pruitt’s presentation served as a powerful reminder of the contributions Black women have made to higher education, often in the face of significant adversity. By highlighting Bowden’s achievements, Pruitt encouraged attendees to reflect on the vital role of Black women in shaping academic institutions and the ongoing fight to ensure their legacies are properly recognized.