Reber Simpkins Cann papers

Collection

Identifier: 070

Staff Only

Content Description

The Reber Simpkins Cann papers include the 1948 summer issue of Negro Heroes, as well as detailed minutes, agendas, reports and correspondence from a myriad of social justice organizations. Simpkins Cann served on various councils, and participated in initiatives to improve employment opportunities, access and quality of life for Black communities in Cincinnati, Ohio and on a national level. Her advocacy efforts included participation in the NAACP, the National Urban League, the National Council of Negro Women, the Council of Social Agencies, the Cincinnati Council on World Affairs and the Cincinnati Department of Urban Development, among others. Community-led initiatives by these organizations used reports and assessments in order to document the gaps in accessibility to healthcare and recreational services for children and families; took inventories of community services and needs; and created involvement in community planning to keep track of the allocation of resources. The Reber Simpkins Cann papers provide a wealth of information on these topics.

The bulk of the papers contains documentation about Simpkins Cann’s involvement in various organizations. Correspondence, minutes and reports from the following organizations are included: the National Urban League (1943-1964), the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (1944-1945), the Young Women’s Christian Association (1941-1952), the Cincinnati Council on World Affairs (1948-1963) and the Council of Social Agencies (1948-1963).

Additionally, publications and ephemeral materials that were collected by Reber Simpkins Cann include bulletins, invitations, newsletters, newspaper articles, pamphlets and programs.

Acknowledgement

This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services [MH-245560-OMS-20].

Dates

1923-1985

Creator

Cann, Reber Simpkins, 1902-1985 (Person)

Biographical Note

Reber Simpkins Cann (1902-1985), educator, activist and social worker.

Reber Simpkins was born on July 26, 1902 in the town of Woodsworth, Louisiana in Rapides Parish. Her father was Reverend James A. Simpkins and her mother was Bijou Turner. The eldest of three children, Reber’s younger siblings were Ruth Simpkins and William T. Simpkins. Reber Simpkins attended elementary and high school in the town of Shreveport, Louisiana and graduated from Central High School. Upon completing her studies at Central High School, she enrolled at Wiley College in Marshall, Texas. Simpkins stayed at Wiley College for one year, then transferred to Wilberforce University to complete her bachelor of arts degree. She went on to pursue further study at the University of Cincinnati.

Simpkins Cann began her career as a teacher at the same elementary school from which she graduated in Shreveport, Louisiana. She taught at the school for one year, then moved to Cincinnati, Ohio. In Cincinnati, she was hired at the Shoemaker Clinic; later Simpkins Cann gained employment at the Transient Service Bureau and worked in the Welfare Department where, after fourteen years of service, she became a supervisor.

One of the first Black women elected to the Cincinnati Woman’s City Club, Simpkins Cann was also named the first woman of the year honoree of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority. An active member of Allen Temple Church, she served on its trustee board for twenty-five years, was the chairperson of the budget and finance committee, and was a member of the church’s Artist Guild and Fellowship Council. Simpkins Cann was one of the first Black women on the Cincinnati Council of Church Women. Initiated into Delta Sigma Theta Sorority in 1922, she served as chair of the Cincinnati chapter of the organization, national secretary from 1944 to 1952, and national vice president from 1952 to 1954. She was a charter member of the Cincinnati chapter of Links Incorporated and the Cincinnati Urban League. Simpkins Cann also served as president of the Cincinnati chapter of the National Council of Negro Women.

On July 9, 1924, Reber Simpkins married her college sweetheart, Braxton Cann. Together they had four daughters and one son: Reber Consuelo Williams, Gwen Cann, Johnnie Mae Durant, Ruth S. Hicks and Braxton Francourt Cann Jr. Reber Simpkins is also related to the Dunn-Landry family of New Orleans, Louisiana.