By Garry Blanson
While researching this week’s Black Pioneer, it came to my attention that there used to be “a rule” in Louisiana, and other states that actually “prohibited married women” from teaching in public schools. It didn’t matter how popular or professional the teacher may have been. According to the rule, once a woman married, she couldn’t teach at a public school anymore! Surprisingly, as late as 1911, the rule remained in effect. With that said, let’s get to this week’s Black Pioneer!
Her name is Valena C. M. Jones. Valena was born in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, in 1872. Not much was recorded about her early schooling in Mississippi. However, it was reported that she moved to New Orleans, Louisiana, to attend Straight University in 1892. After graduating from Straight University, Valena moved back to Hancock County, Mississippi, to become the “principal of the Bay St. Louis Negro School.” Her tenure as principal lasted approximately 4 years. In 1897, Valena decided to return to New Orleans to teach in the public school system. One of the highlights of her teaching career in New Orleans was when she was voted the “Most Popular Colored Teacher!” Along with being recognized, Valena was awarded a nice bicycle! In 1901, she got married to Reverend Robert R. Jones.
However, she had to leave the teaching profession, because of a standing rule that prohibited married women from teaching in public schools in Louisiana. Among the things, Valena enjoyed as a wife was helping her husband in his duties as editor of the religious newspaper, the Southwestern Christian Advocate. The newspaper was published by the Methodist Episcopal Church in New Orleans. It was widely read by Negroes as well as White people throughout the southern region of the United States. It was strongly suggested that the success of the Southwestern Christian Advocate newspaper was mainly due to her tireless dedication and efforts! If she had lived a few more years, she would have got to experience the joy of teaching in public schools again as well as the passage of women’s suffrage in America.
However, her life was cut short. On January 13, 1917, Valena C.M. Jones passed away quietly and peacefully. Her husband, Robert R. Jones had her buried in the city of New Orleans, Louisiana. After her death, a school in New Orleans, Louisiana, was named after her in 1917. Also, in 1947, the city where she began her teaching career, Bay St. Louis, also honored her by naming a school after her!
