Rosa J. Young history
Rosa J. Young was awarded an honorary doctorate by Concordia Theological Seminary during their commencement service in May 1961. She was both the first woman and the first African-American to be honored in this way by the Lutheran Church.
Young led a life of service, accomplished so much to the Glory of God, and enabled others to do the same, including the following:
• She taught more than 2,000 students, impacting their lives forever with her faith and her belief in the importance of education, at a time when education for children of sharecroppers was limited.
• Many of her students entered the Holy Ministry or became parochial school teachers at her urging, impacting many others with their fidelity to her vision.
• She wrote her autobiography, Light in the Dark Belt, bringing her life story to the reader.
• She was influential in the founding of the Alabama Lutheran Academy and College in Selma, Ala., aimed at training students to become teachers and preparing young men to continue their education at seminary.
• That educational institution, known as Concordia College Alabama, Selma, Ala., provided affordable education to young men and women from its founding in 1922 until its closure in 2018.
• Many of her students moved north during the Great Migration and founded churches, which extended her ministry throughout the country.
Learn more
The Encyclopedia of Alabama provides an overview of Rosa J. Young’s history and ministry.
Resources
“The First Rosa” promo kit
Bible Studies
Sunday School Lessons
Educational Resources
Check back for more resources as they become available.
Lutheran Church Extension Fund is proud to be a corporate sponsor of “The First Rosa”