Romeo B. Garrett

Romeo B. Garrett
Born	February 2, 1910 Natchez, Adams County, Mississippi, US
Died	March 23, 2000 (aged 90) East Peoria, Tazewell County, Illinois, US
Spouse	Naomi Sanders Garrett

Romeo Benjamin Garrett (February 2, 1910 – March 23, 2000) was a professor of sociology at Bradley University.[1][2] He was the first black faculty member to be hired by the university.[2][3]

The Romeo B. Garrett Cultural Center at Bradley University was dedicated in 1980.[1] The university also established a scholarship named after him.[1] The city of Peoria named the street where he lived after him.[1]

Early life and education

Garrett was born in 1910 in Mississippi. He received his bachelor's degree from Straight University before moving to Peoria, Illinois, to attend Bradley University, where he obtained his master's degree.[2]

Career

In 1936, Garrett worked as the supervisor of 210 Works Progress Administration teachers focusing on literacy in New Orleans and Louisiana.[4]

Dr. Garrett's The Negro in Peoria documented the history of Blacks locally.[5]

Personal life

He was the husband of Naomi Sanders Garrett.^[citation needed]

Death and legacy

Garrett died at Rosewood Care Center in East Peoria, Illinois, on March 23, 2000, at the age of 90.[1]

References

1. "Romeo Garrett, author, educator, dies at age 90". Journal Star. Peoria, Illinois. March 24, 2000. Retrieved January 17, 2025 – via ProQuest.
2. Matthews, Darronté (February 18, 2020). "Hidden History: Dr. Romeo B. Garrett". CIProud.com. Retrieved August 22, 2024.
3. "University at Peoria adds La. Negro to faculty". Los Angeles Tribune. September 20, 1947. Retrieved January 17, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
4. "TEACHER". New Pittsburgh Courier. Retrieved January 17, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
5. "Frederick Douglass and Peoria's Black History". Peoria Magazine.