Olivia J. Hooker Ph.D
(1915-2018)
Olivia Hooker was a remarkable African American woman who made significant contributions to civil rights and education. She became The first African-American woman to serve in the U.S. Coast Guard during World War II. Her service came at a time when the military was still segregated.
Delta Sigma Theta sorority
She was a survivor of the Tulsa race massacre of 1921, and a trailblazing figure in American history, known for her pioneering work in the fields of civil rights and education. She was born in Muskogee, Oklahoma, and later became one of the first African-American women to serve in the U.S. Coast Guard during World War II. Her service came at a time when the military was still segregated. There she earned the rank of Yeoman Second Class during her service. She served in the Coast Guard until her unit was disbanded in mid-1946. Hooker then used her G.I. Bill to obtain her master’s degree in psychological services and went on earn her Ph.D. in clinical psychology. In 1973, she helped form the American Psychological Association’s Division 33: IDD/ASD, which is dedicated to “advancing psychological research, professional education, and clinical services that increase the quality of life in individuals with IDD/ASD across the life course.”
After the war, Hooker pursued a career in psychology and earned her Ph.D. from the University of Rochester. She became a prominent psychologist and educator, advocating for diversity and inclusion in academia. Her dedication to education and social justice led to her involvement in the Civil Rights Movement, where she worked to break down racial barriers.
Throughout her life, Olivia Hooker remained committed to promoting equality, serving as a symbol of resilience and determination in the face of adversity. Her legacy is a testament to the enduring fight for civil rights and equal opportunities for all. Olivia Hooker’s contributions continue to inspire generations, reminding us of the importance of perseverance in the pursuit of justice and equality. She passed away in 2018, leaving behind a legacy of courage and advocacy.
Hooker died of natural causes in her home in White Plains, New York on November 21, 2018, at the age of 103.
Honors:
She was an associate member of Sigma Xi.
Hooker was an active member of the White Plains/Greenburgh NAACP
In 1997, Hooker and other survivors of the massacre founded the Tulsa Race Riot Commission, to investigate the massacre, and its aftermath, and seek reparations.
In 2000, Hooker met Zeita Merchant, a black woman who in 2021 became the first person of an ethnic minority to hold the role of Commanding Officer of the U.S. Coast Guard Sector New York. Up until Hooker’s death, she was a mentor to Merchant.
Hooker retired in 2002, at the age of 87
In 2003, she was one of the plaintiffs in a federal lawsuit filed against the state of Oklahoma and the city of Tulsa by more than 100 survivors and about 300 descendants of people who lost their lives or property in the attacks, seeking compensation due to the local government’s involvement in the massacre. The US Supreme Court dismissed the case without comment in 2005.
She joined the Coast Guard Auxiliary at age 95 and served as an auxiliarist in Yonkers, New York.
In 2008, she starred as herself in the documentary Before They Die! and was said to have been involved in many aspects of its inception
Hooker received the American Psychological Association Presidential Citation in 2011.
In 2012, she was inducted into the New York State Senate Veterans’ Hall of Fame.
On February 9, 2015, Kirsten Gillibrand spoke in Congress to “pay tribute” to Hooker. In the same year, the Olivia Hooker Dining Facility on the Staten Island coast guard facility was named in her honor. A training facility at the Coast Guard’s headquarters in Washington, D.C. was also named after her that same year.
On May 20, 2015, President Barack Obama recognized Hooker’s Coast Guard service and legacy while in attendance at the 134th Commencement of the United States Coast Guard Academy.
On September 18, 2016, at the age of 101, Dr. Hooker, alongside Jonathan Galente received the first-ever Manhattan Psychological Association (MPA) Anne Anastasi Award for being a “pioneering psychology teacher, researcher and practitioner”.
On November 11, 2018, Google honored her by telling her story as part of a Google Doodle for the Veterans Day holiday.
Hooker died of natural causes in her home in White Plains, New York on November 21, 2018, at the age of 103.
Tulsa Girl, by Shameen Anthanio-Williams, is a children’s book focused on Hooker’s experiences in the Tulsa Race riots.
In October 2019, it was announced that the fast response cutter USCGC Olivia Hooker would be named in her honor. This will be the sixty-first Sentinel-class cutter, due to be delivered to the Coast Guard after 2023
U.S. Coast Guard Honors: Olivia Hooker was posthumously honored by the U.S. Coast Guard for her pioneering service as one of the first African American women to join the Coast Guard during World War II. In 2015, a Coast Guard vessel was named in her honor, the USCGC Olivia Hooker (WPC-509).
Educational Achievements: Throughout her career, Hooker received numerous accolades and awards in the field of psychology and education. Her contributions to academia, particularly in the areas of child psychology and early childhood education, were widely recognized.
Civil Rights Contributions: Olivia Hooker’s dedication to civil rights and advocacy for racial equality earned her respect and admiration within the Civil Rights Movement. Her work as a mentor and role model for future generations of activists and leaders was a testament to her lasting impact.
Legacy:
Pioneer for African American Women: Olivia J. Hooker’s legacy is that of a pioneer, particularly for African American women in the military. Her service in the U.S. Coast Guard during a time of segregation and discrimination opened doors for future generations of women of color to serve in the armed forces.
Advocate for Diversity and Inclusion: Hooker’s advocacy for diversity and inclusion in education and society left an enduring mark. Her commitment to breaking down racial barriers and promoting equality served as an inspiration for others to follow in her footsteps.
Symbol of Resilience: Olivia Hooker’s life story serves as a symbol of resilience and determination in the face of adversity. Her achievements despite the challenges of her time continue to inspire individuals and underscore the importance of perseverance in the pursuit of justice and equal opportunities.
Educational Legacy: Hooker’s contributions to psychology and early childhood education continue to influence the field. Her work has had a lasting impact on the development of educational practices and policies, particularly in the areas of child development and education.
In summary, Olivia J. Hooker’s honors and legacy are characterized by her pioneering service, advocacy for civil rights and education, and her enduring influence as a symbol of resilience and determination in the ongoing struggle for equality and justice. Her life’s work continues to inspire and educate people about the importance of breaking down barriers and promoting diversity and inclusion.