Thelma Alford
Thelma Alfred: A Trailblazer for Education and Civil Rights
Thelma Anna Cooper Alford dedicated her life to education, community service, and the fight for civil rights in Talbot County. Born and raised in Oxford, Maryland, she grew up in a large family, one of 13 children. Her path took her from a one-room schoolhouse to leading the local NAACP, making her one of the most influential figures in the county’s history.
Thelma Anna Cooper Alford dedicated her life to education, community service, and the fight for civil rights in Talbot County. Born and raised in Oxford, Maryland, she grew up in a large family, one of 13 children. Her path took her from a one-room schoolhouse to leading the local NAACP, making her one of the most influential figures in the county’s history.
A Passion for Education
Alford’s early years were shaped by a deep commitment to learning. She attended Bowie State Normal School, a historically Black college, to pursue a teaching degree. However, when her father passed away, she left college after two years and returned to Talbot County.
Despite not finishing her degree, she earned her teaching certificate and began her career in a one-room schoolhouse in Cordova, where she taught 40 students of varying ages and grade levels. Her love for education never faded, and she later worked as an administrator for the Talbot County Board of Education, advocating for equitable schooling opportunities.
Leading the Fight for Civil Rights
In 1949, Alford founded the Talbot County branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). At the time, racial tensions were high, and many African Americans hesitated to openly support civil rights organizations. To generate interest, she held informational meetings at Waters United Methodist Church in Oxford, successfully enlisting 51 members within six weeks.
Alford served two terms as both Vice President and President of the local NAACP and later took on leadership at the district level. Her work with the NAACP was pivotal in advocating for desegregation, equal voting rights, and fair treatment of Black citizens in Talbot County.
A Legacy of Community Service
Beyond her activism, Alford was deeply involved in her church, Waters United Methodist Church, where she served on the policy committee under four bishops. She also held leadership roles with the Red Cross, the Oxford Planning/Zoning Commission, and the Committee for Desegregation of Talbot County Schools.
Her contributions extended to local governance as well. She was a founding member of the Oxford Planning Center, ensuring that Black residents had a voice in shaping the future of their community.
Remembering Thelma Alfred
Thelma Alfred passed away in 2004 at the age of 93, but her impact on Talbot County endures. Her tireless advocacy for civil rights, education, and community development paved the way for future generations.
Her legacy reminds us that change is possible when one person steps forward with courage and determination. The Talbot County NAACP continues to fight for justice and equality, standing on the foundation she helped build.