A Black Women's History of Butler University, 1855-1948

Emily Garrett, 1930

Emily Garrett graduated in 1930 with a Bachelor of Arts in English. She was one of the members of the first Black Girl Scout troop in Indiana, which was organized at School 17 in 1921. This was recognized throughout the later part of her life through local reunions with the other girls. 

After graduating from Butler, Emily taught English and French in the Indianapolis Public Schools for more than 27 years. Emily would come back to Butler to receive her master’s degree and pursued further graduate studies at the University of Chicago, Columbia University and Indiana University. She would also go on to become a graduate of piano and instructor at the Cosmopolitan School of Music and Fine Arts.
 

Camille Taylor, 1938

Camille Taylor is the first Black student to graduate from Butler University with a degree in physical education. Following her graduation, she is listed as working for School No. 4 in the Indianapolis Public School system in physical education for the 1938-1940 academic year. Unfortunately, not much more is known about Camille Taylor at this time.

"Miss Camille Taylor, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Morris R. Taylor of Dayton, Ohio, received her degree in Physical Education from Butler University, June 13 and is the first Negro woman ever to recevie a degree in physical education from Butler University. She is also a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority. While attending school, Miss Taylor made her home with her aunt and uncle Dr. and Mrs. Sumner A. Furniss in N. West Street."

Vernice (King) Brent, 1940

Vernice (King) Brent graduated from Butler University in 1940 in education. She had  a 45-year career at the Indianapolis Public Schools, volunteered with the Pioneer Club, YWCA, and was recognized by the Boy Scouts of America. She later returned to Butler and earned a master’s degree. 

As a student at Butler, she was well known for the basketball skill she demonstrated as a high school student in Indianapolis. Even though women’s athletics at the time were more limited, several organizations existed, including the Women’s Athletics Association (organized spring 1923 at Butler) and the Y.W.C.A. or Young Women’s Christian Association.

Vernice King Brent's obituary in the Indianapolis Star, February 25, 1992, notes that she received special recognition from the Boy Scouts of America and was named one of the 200 outstanding Black Hoosiers by the Indiana Black Bicentennial Committee. She was also a vice president of the Me-De-Phar Guild and past president of life members of the Nation Council of the Negro Women's Guild.