Uncrowned Community Builders

In 1923, Joan Edna Curtis was born in Grand Rapids Michigan. She was the second of five children born to Herman and Hazel Curtis. Named after Joan of Ark, her parents could foresee a future of determination, high achievement and dedication to others.

After graduating from high school, Joan continued her education at Howard University in Washington D.C. In 1948, she earned a B.S. degree in Commerce and Finance and graduating Cum Laude.

From 1945-1947, Joan was employed as an Administrative Assistant for the United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Organization (UNRRA) in Shanghai China. Working with the Chinese Government, she helped provide humanitarian relief and economic development. Joan was the first Black female to hold this type of international position.

In 1948, Joan moved to Chicago Illinois and was employed by Carson, Pirie and Scott, one of the largest clothing retailers in the United States. In 1950, as a job analyst, she became the first African-American professional Black woman at "Carson's." Because of her outstanding performance, Joan advanced to Wage Administrator, Assistant Training Director and finally, in 1958, Assistant Director of Personnel for the entire Carson system. As Assistant Director of Personnel, she became the highest Black professional in the organization.

In 1957, Joan became the first African-American woman to receive a MBA in Personnel Administration from the University of Chicago. From 1958-61 she was employed as a business education teacher at Carver High School in Chicago.

From 1961 until retirement in 1987, Joan met her most exciting challenge. This was Director of the Urban Youth Program- Employment and Education ("Double E" Program) for the Chicago Board of Education. The Double E Program was Chicago's attempt to provide continued education for high school dropouts. The program was geared to stimulate the development of personal, academic, social and employment skills of out-of-school youth by providing part-time employment. Under the program, Joan enrolled major Chicago corporations to employ students while attending classes provided by the Double E Program. Some of the collaborating organizations were; Carson, Pirie and Scott, Western Electric, People's Gas, Montgomery Wards, The Prudential Insurance Company and Loyola University.

Comments by a Double E Program graduate best summarizes the program and Joan's critical role in its success:

"As a young girl, I, along with hundreds of other Chicago youth, were unable to continue a high school education in the public school system. We were enrolled in the Double E program under the direct supervision of Joan Taylor. Attending the program allowed us to complete a high school education while receiving on the job training. The experience was one of the most valuable of our young and troubled lives. Mrs. Taylor was the "engine" behind the entire program. She was personally acquainted with each student. Mrs. Taylor knew their individual needs and skillfully developed programs to meet them. She was a personal advocate for each student. Many of us owe our professional successes to Mrs. Taylor's hard work and dedication.

On behalf of the thousands of Chicago youth who are beneficiaries of this wonderful Black role model, we thank you Joan Taylor"

Theora Evans, Ph.D.,
Associate Professor
University of Tennessee
College of Social Work
Memphis, TN 38163

Upon retiring in 1987, Joan's service to others continued. She became actively involved with her husband's Tuskegee Airmen's Chapter in Chicago. In 1994, Joan became the first female chairperson of the National Tuskegee Airman's Convention. She created the 1994 convention logo and motto, "From these Roots Build Tomorrow." Nationwide, all Tuskegee Airman chapters adapted both the logo and motto.

Joan has many affiliations. She was Executive Board Member for, Mary Thompson Hospital, Central Mental Health Center, Metropolitan YWCA and The Chicago Child Care Society. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and Theta Omega Chapter having served in numerous positions in her AKA Chapter as Chairman, Sorority Relations; Historian; Chairman, Political Action; Chairman, Protocol; Chairman, Courtesy and Chairman. Joan is also a member of Delta Kappa Gamma Society, Chicago Guidance and Personnel Association, Tuskegee Airmen Inc and various Social Clubs.

Throughout Joan's life she participated in service-oriented programs. She continues to develop herself spiritually of "being here and now" and focusing on what is good and what is right. An uncrowned queen who forever asks; "What can I do for you?"