Lola Mercedes Parker
Lola Mercedes Parker | |
|---|---|
Parker, from a 1930 newspaper | |
| Born | Lola Mercedes Smith February 25, 1900 Little Rock, Arkansas, U.S. |
| Died | March 19, 1987 (aged 87) Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
| Known for | Founder, president of Iota Phi Lambda |
Lola Mercedes Smith Parker (February 25, 1900 – March 19, 1987) was an American clubwoman. She was founder of Iota Phi Lambda, a professional sorority for Black businesswomen; she was also president of the sorority from 1929 to 1946.
Early life and education
Parker was born in Little Rock, Arkansas,[1] the daughter of John Henry Smith and Jessie Elsie Strauss Smith. She graduated from high school in Kansas City, Missouri, and attended the Chicago Business College.[2]
Career
Parker was secretary to L. K. Williams, the president of the National Baptist Convention. She founded Iota Phi Lambda in 1929.[3] "It was her desire to prove that those women who chose business as a career had selected an honorable vocation that should merit similar presitge as is enjoed by those in the arts and professions," explained The Chicago Defender.[4] She was president of the national organization[5][6][7] until 1946, and then president emeritus. In 1954 she was honored at a luncheon in Chicago, marking the sorority's 25th anniversary.[8][9]
Parker was chair of the membership committee of the Chicago Council of Negro Organizations.[10] In 1940 she was main speaker at a meeting of the Illinois Housewives Association.[11] She was national vice-president in the Women's Army for National Defense (WANDs) during World War II.[1][12] She was first treasurer of the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW).[1]
Personal life
Smith married postal clerk William Stanley Parker in 1922. Her husband died in 1948,[13] and she died in 1987, at the age of 87, in Chicago.[1] The Lola Mercedes Parker Foundation funds scholarships for students pursuing degrees in business, and mentorships for entrepreneurs.[14]
References
- ^ a b c d Heise, Kenan (1987-03-21). "Lola Parker, founder of business sorority". Chicago Tribune. p. 8. Retrieved 2026-02-22 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "A Scrap Book for Women in Public Life; Lola M. Parker Heads Worthy Cause". The Chicago Defender. 1930-03-29. p. 4. Retrieved 2026-02-22 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ Mjagkij, Nina (2003-12-16). Organizing Black America: An Encyclopedia of African American Associations. Routledge. p. 247. ISBN 978-1-135-58123-7.
- ^ "Iotas' Pageant to Show 25 Years of Progress". The Chicago Defender. 1954-07-17. p. 22. Retrieved 2026-02-21 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Chicagoan Will Again Head Iota Phi Lambda; Mrs. Lola M. Parker is Unanimously Chosen at Conclave". The Chicago Defender. 1936-09-12. p. 7. Retrieved 2026-02-22 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ Galbreath, Elizabeth (1939-09-09). "Typovision". The Chicago Defender. p. 16. Retrieved 2026-02-22 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Iota Phi Lambda Holds Profitable and Inspiring Meet; Lola M. Parker Heads Business Girls Conference". The St. Louis Argus. 1941-08-29. p. 3. Retrieved 2026-02-22 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Iotas Honor Founder at Testimonial". The Chicago Defender. 1954-07-31. p. 20. Retrieved 2026-02-21 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Honored". The Call. 1954-08-13. p. 12. Retrieved 2026-02-21 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Mrs. Lola M. Parker to Deliver Address". The Chicago Defender. 1938-08-27. p. 14. Retrieved 2026-02-22 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Lola M. Parker Main Speaker at Exposition; She Heads Business Dept. of Group". The Chicago Defender. 1940-08-31. p. 18. Retrieved 2026-02-22 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Women in War Work". The Chicago Defender. 1943-05-01. p. 27. Retrieved 2026-02-22 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "W. S. Parker, Old Resident, Dies". The Chicago Defender. 1948-05-08. p. 6. Retrieved 2026-02-22 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "History". LMPF. Retrieved 2026-02-21.