Mike Clinton
Introduction: Who was Roger Arliner Young?
Roger Arliner Young was an American biologist and zoologist who made significant contributions to the field of marine biology in the early 20th century. She was the first African American woman to earn a Ph.D. in Zoology and her research focused on studying the behavior of marine animals, including starfish and sea urchins. Despite facing numerous obstacles due to her race and gender, Young persisted in her academic and scientific pursuits, becoming a role model for future generations of women and people of color in STEM fields.
Early Life: Childhood and Education
Roger Arliner Young was born on November 25, 1889, in Clifton Forge, Virginia. She spent her childhood in the impoverished neighborhoods of Philadelphia, where she attended public schools and was raised by her mother, Lydia Polk, and her stepfather. As a child, Young showed a keen interest in nature and animals, frequently bringing home stray cats and birds to care for.
Young’s early education was disrupted by financial difficulties and family instability, but she eventually graduated from high school and enrolled in Howard University, a historically black college in Washington D.C. Despite struggling with reading and writing due to undiagnosed dyslexia, Young excelled in her science courses and graduated with honors in 1916.
Career and Achievements
After completing her undergraduate degree, Young worked as a lab assistant for the renowned biologist Ernest Everett Just at the Marine Biological Laboratory in Woods Hole, Massachusetts. She was the first African American woman to work at the laboratory, and Just recognized her potential as a scientist, encouraging her to pursue graduate studies.
In 1924, Young became the first African American woman to earn a Ph.D. in Zoology from the University of Pennsylvania. Her dissertation focused on the effects of radiation on marine animals, a topic that was groundbreaking at the time. Despite facing discrimination and hostility from her male colleagues, Young continued to conduct research and publish papers throughout her career.
Family Background: Early Life
Roger Arliner Young’s early life was marked by poverty, family instability, and racial discrimination. Her mother, Lydia Polk, was a domestic worker and her father’s identity is unknown. Young later discovered that she had several half-siblings from her father’s side, but they did not have a close relationship.
Young’s mother remarried when she was a child, and her stepfather, Gustavus Polk, was a carpenter and a religious fundamentalist. The family frequently moved around Philadelphia and struggled to make ends meet, with Young and her siblings often going hungry.
Who were Roger Arliner Young’s Parents?
Roger Arliner Young’s mother, Lydia Polk, was born in Virginia in 1868 and moved to Philadelphia as a child. She worked as a domestic servant and later as a cook to support her family. Young’s father’s identity is unknown, but she later discovered that he had several other children.
Young’s stepfather, Gustavus Polk, was born in South Carolina in 1867 and moved to Philadelphia as a young man. He worked as a carpenter and was a devout Christian, frequently taking the family to church.
Parents’ Background: African American Heritage
Both of Roger Arliner Young’s parents were African American and grew up during the Reconstruction era after the Civil War. They faced discrimination and poverty throughout their lives, but instilled in Young a sense of resilience and determination. Young later wrote that her mother was her "guiding star" and her "constant inspiration" in her academic and scientific pursuits.
Parents’ Influence on Roger Arliner Young
Despite facing numerous obstacles in her early life, Roger Arliner Young was inspired by her mother’s strong work ethic and her stepfather’s religious faith. They encouraged her curiosity about nature and animals and supported her education as best they could. Young also credited her dyslexia as a source of motivation, as it taught her to work harder and persevere in the face of challenges.
Roger Arliner Young and Her Siblings
Roger Arliner Young had several siblings from both her mother’s and father’s side, but they did not have a close relationship due to financial difficulties and family instability. Young’s brother, Robert, served in World War I and later struggled with mental illness, while her sister, Hattie, worked as a domestic servant and had several children.
Legacy of Roger Arliner Young’s Parents
Lydia Polk and Gustavus Polk’s legacy lives on through their daughter, Roger Arliner Young, who overcame tremendous obstacles to become a pioneering scientist and role model for future generations. Their resilience and determination in the face of discrimination and poverty continue to inspire others to pursue their dreams, regardless of their background or circumstances.
Conclusion: The Importance of Knowing Family History
Roger Arliner Young’s story highlights the importance of knowing one’s family history and the impact that parents and caregivers can have on a child’s academic and professional aspirations. Despite facing numerous challenges in her early life, Young’s mother and stepfather instilled in her a sense of curiosity, determination, and perseverance that helped her achieve her goals. By understanding our family’s background and heritage, we can gain a deeper appreciation for our own strengths and overcome the challenges that we may face in life.