Althea G. Singleton
Photographic portrait, possibly Althea G. Singleton and unidentified young man, c. 1918.
This portrait was discovered at 3 Franklin Place when the building was undergoing renovation. Mrs. Althea G. Singleton lived at that address for many years and it is likely that the photo was taken before she came to Troy from Charleston, SC and it may actually be of her parents, Nancy Fraser and James Singleton.
who was Althea G. Singelton?
A committed and dedicated teacher, Althea Singleton taught in the Troy City School District for 18 years, beginning her teaching career in 1963, first at School #5 and then at School #2.
Active in civic and community leadership, she served on the Board of Directors for the Troy Boys Club (now the Boys and Girls Club) and Sunnyside Daycare center. She was a lifetime member of the NAACP as well as the committee treasurer for the Troy Branch.
Additionally, Singleton was involved in the 1963 merger of the Liberty Street Church with Oakwood Presbyterian, the Troy Human Rights Commission, and other community organizations.
In her role as a School #5 teacher, a NAACP member, and a member of the Troy community, Singleton was active in trying to improve the education of all students and was vocal about the discrimination faced by the Black community, especially in housing.
As part of celebrating Women’s History Month, highlighting the impact that Singleton had on her community and beyond is essential. In acknowledgement of her catalytic force in bringing to the forefront the issues facing the Black community, the hardships being faced by students and educators, and more, we can better appreciate how narratives like this are essential to understanding our collective past and creating a path towards a more equitable future. A community member and leader, Miss Althea G. Singleton was an incredible force.
A fun fact, #DidYouKnow April 6th, 2001 was officially proclaimed by the city of Troy as “Mrs. Althea Gertrude Singleton Day”?? Yup, “recognizing the significant accomplishments of this amazing woman to Troy, NY and the World.”