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DKG Practice/Program

The Quest to Honor Dr. Annie Webb

Blanton: Follow Your Passion

By Patricia Brenner

“Determined,” “tenacious,” and “ambitious” are words that aptly describe Dr.
Annie Webb Blanton. She passionately followed her dream to provide a level
playing field for female educators. Thus, the Delta Kappa Gamma Society was
born. Dr. Blanton left a legacy of excellence that challenges all DKG members to
continue to follow their passions.
Everyone has a passion for something. We have two choices: Take the journey
and follow our passion, or listen to the little negative voice in our head that says,
“You can’t.” This is a story of following the example of Dr.
Blanton in order to have her legacy recognized.
The seeds for my passion were planted at a young age.
My father never told my sister or me that we could not do
something because we were girls. Dad treated us and our
brother equally. He gave us a priceless gift. I thought that it
did not matter whether we were male or female and that we
could accomplish anything we wanted. In fifth grade, I made a speech explaining
that girls should have the same opportunities as boys. To me, it just seemed to
make common sense. The seeds for my passion were sprouting.
Professionally, I tried to lead by example. Males and females were equally
challenged and encouraged to succeed. It did not matter to me whether my student
was a boy or a girl. Every student should have an equal opportunity.
Luckily, I was invited to join the Delta Kappa Gamma Society by a very dear
friend, Patricia Harrison, who saw something in me that I did not see in myself.
Pat introduced me to a world of incredibly strong women who foster excellence in
the field of education. The Delta Kappa Gamma Society provides an outstanding
format that encourages females to fuel their passions and build their confidence.
While being inspired by my DKG colleagues, I became aware of an attempt to
establish a museum that would recognize the accomplishments of amazing women
throughout the history of our country. My passion began to burn brighter, and I
became a charter member of the National Women’s History Museum (NWHM).
While still attempting to finalize and open a physical location in Washington, DC,
the NWHM has also developed a strong online presence that offers educational
programs, exhibits, and biographies of women who are groundbreakers.
While reading biographies of incredible women, I thought of Dr. Annie Webb
Blanton and her outstanding accomplishments. Checking the NWHM website,
I realized that Dr. Blanton was not included in the museum’s holdings. When
discussing this omission with a fellow DKG member, Tina Smith-Gilbert, she
mentioned that somebody should do something. At that moment, a proverbial light
bulb went off in my head. Everyone is “somebody.” Thus began my quest to honor
Dr. Blanton.

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