Welcome to the Evolving Folks Project’s “Evolved Woman of the Week” profile. Each week, we will highlight an individual who embodies what it means to be an evolved person, famous and non-famous alike. The world needs to know their stories and deeds. This week’s honor goes to the educator, soldier, and psychologist Charity Adams-Earley.
Adams was born in Kittrell, North Carolina, on December 5, 1918, and raised in Columbia, South Carolina. Her parents, both high achievers, strongly emphasized the importance of education. As an African Methodist Episcopal minister, her father had earned a college degree. She came from a family where her mother taught at a school. Adams had three younger siblings. A standout student, she graduated valedictorian from Booker T. Washington High School. She received her degree in math and physics from Wilberforce University in Ohio in 1938. Following graduation, she returned to Columbia, taking a teaching position in mathematics at the local high school while working towards a part-time M.A. At Ohio State University, she got a degree in psychology and later her master’s in 1946.
The United States military buildup in 1942 responded to the declaration of war against Germany and Japan. To aid this endeavor, the United States established the Women’s Auxiliary Army Corps (WAAC) in the spring of 1942, which was later renamed the Women’s Army Corps (WAC). After learning about the formation of the WAAC, Adams applied for a position in the organization. She was accepted in July and journeyed to Fort Des Moines, Iowa, for training at the first officer candidate school. Adams completed her training on August 29, 1942, and received her commission. Adams time at the Fort Des Moines training center continued until 1944. Her roles during that time included staff training officer, station control officer, and company commander. Adams promotion to major in September 1943 made her the highest-ranking female officer at the training center.
Adams’ European service ended in late 1945. For her service with the 6668th in Europe, Adams earned a promotion to lieutenant colonel, the highest rank achievable for a soldier in the WAC. Post-war, she had a short stint at the Pentagon before requesting a discharge in 1946. Adams served, then returned to The Ohio State University to earn a master’s in vocational psychology. She tied the knot with Stanley A. Earley, Jr. in 1949 and made Dayton, Ohio, their home, raising two children together. After dedicating her life to education and activism, she became a dean at Tennessee Agricultural & Industrial State College (now Tennessee State University) and then at Georgia State University College (now Georgia State University). Adams actively contributed to many community businesses and organizational boards. She established the Black Leadership Development Program in 1982 to guide young African Americans toward community leadership roles.
On April 27, 2023, they renamed Fort Lee, Virginia, to Fort Gregg-Adams to honor Lt. Gen. Arthur Gregg and Lt. Col. Charity Adams. Major General Mark Simerly, senior commander of Fort Lee, recognized the contributions of Gregg and Adams:
“Their tremendous accomplishments — from World War II through the Cold War — speak to the important history of this installation and to the courage, dignity, and devotion to duty that we strive to instill in every soldier training here.”
Charity Adams-Earley passed away in Dayton, Ohio, in 2002. Many organizations, such as the National Postal Museum, National Women’s History Museum, and the Smithsonian Institute, have acknowledged her commitment to advancing opportunities for Black Americans. Despite her many difficulties, she remained resilient, never giving up on her pursuit of personal growth and helping others. Adams’ inspiring life serves as proof of her bravery, tenacity, and intellect in the face of discrimination. Today we honor Charity Adams-Earley as our Evolved Woman of the Week.
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