Uncrowned Community Builders

In 1880, Maggie Ellis, a "pioneer" Uncrowned Queen, was born near Dallas Texas. Her accomplishments are not measured in terms of degrees, certificates or memberships in organizations. Maggie Ellis's greatest achievement was raising ten role model children during the rugged, pioneer days of Oklahoma and during the Depression of the 1920's and 30's. This was done and at a time when black women enjoyed none of today's privileges, support and recognition. She was the best she could be and was instrumental in making those around her the best they could be.

In 1889, Maggie Riley and her family were among the first Blacks to voluntarily settle in the Oklahoma Indian Territory. The family made their new home in Lincoln County, near Chandler Oklahoma. In 1900, Maggie married Whit Ellis. This union marked the beginning of her amazing career. Whit was fully occupied with the family's restaurant. Raising the ten Ellis children became Maggie's responsibility. Several core values were used as guidelines for this task. They centered around; a belief, in God, hard work, honesty, respecting others as well as yourself, self-development and family loyalty. The golden rule was; "do your best". "Winning is not nearly as important as doing your best". Never raising her voice, Maggie, ensured each family member understood the values and the consequences for violating them.

While Maggie only finished the eighth grade, she emphasized education and its role in the economic and social salvation of African Americans. Maggie made the Ellis home an extension of the local school system. Her first after dinner task was ensuring all homework assignments were complete and that each child was prepared for the next school day. Thanks to Maggie's support and encouragement, all ten Ellis children earned college degrees. Eight received master's degrees; two obtained doctorates. Many of the degrees were from the prestigious University of Michigan. These were extraordinary accomplishments for a poor, black family living in rural Oklahoma in the early half of the 1900s. In addition to being outstanding students, each Ellis child became a role model citizen and local community leader.

The great depression of the 1920's and 1930's presented Maggie with one of her greatest challenges. Working eighteen hours a day, she managed Ellis family affairs ensuring food was on the table, the children were healthy and continued their education. During the Depression, the restaurant as well as Whit Ellis' health began to fail. Whit died in 1932. At that time, Maggie was near exhaustion. The doctor recommended an extended vacation. Maggie rested a few days and returned to the restaurant and family duties.

The Ellis house was a temporary home for relatives, friends, and sometimes to complete strangers. Even in the toughest of times, Maggie found a place for visitors to sleep and food for them to eat. On August 30, 1968, Oklahoma lost one of its first "pioneer" Uncrowned Queens- Maggie Ellis. She will be long remembered by her family, relatives and neighbors. It was to them she so lovingly devoted her life.