Hettie B. Tilghman

Over the course of her career, she held multiple leadership roles in many activist groups while creating and managing day cares and youth clubs.

A major advocate for black women and youth in the Bay Area, Tilghman helped pave the way for many activists who would follow her in subsequent generations.

Once Charles and Hilda were old enough to enroll in school, Hettie became quite active in public life and began forming various clubs and community building projects.

[5] Hettie also served on the board of the Home for Aged and Infirm Colored People, opened in 1897 just outside of Mills College.

[10] After the huge success of this center, Tilghman began fundraising for a second children’s care facility which would require a significantly larger amount of capital.