Family members (from left) Judy Leek Mead, Lori Goins, Ralph Jefferson, Mahogany Mead, Joan Leek-Goins, Lauren Jefferson, Vernetta Jefferson, Mari Faines, Angela Dodd and Brian Jefferson. (Purdue University photo/John Underwood)
Visitors to Frieda Parker Hall can view a new installation commemorating the legacy of Winifred and Frieda Parker, the courageous sisters who led the successful campaign to integrate University housing. The installation was dedicated on February 3 during a ceremony attended by faculty, staff, students and the general public, kicking off the University’s celebration of Black History Month.
“I can’t think of a more appropriate way to kick off a celebration of Black history than to honor the Parker sisters,” said John Gates, vice provost for Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging. “Their story is one of persistence, courage, grace and a lifetime of excellence. It is our hope that the installation will empower and inspire hundreds who live in and pass through the Parker halls.”
The Parker sisters became the namesake of two University Residences residence halls when the Griffin Residence Halls were renamed during 2021. In June of that year, the Purdue Board of Trustees formally celebrated their legacy by voting unanimously to rename the residence halls in their honor.
Upon enrollment at Purdue in 1946, the Parker sisters were initially denied the opportunity to live in University housing. At the time, all housing at Purdue and in the city of West Lafayette was segregated, forcing the sisters to live in a boarding house in Lafayette. A letter-writing campaign spearheaded by Frederick Parker, a prominent math teacher at segregated Crispus Attucks High School in Indianapolis and the father of the Parker sisters, mobilized support to push the University to reconsider its housing policies.
In January 1947, the Parker sisters became the first Black residents of Purdue. While the transition to living in University housing wasn’t always easy, the sisters leaned heavily on the local Black community for support – particularly the friends they made through the Greek system as sisters in Delta Sigma Theta sorority. Over time, the sisters made friends in the residence halls and broke down existing barriers. Their fellow residents eventually elected Winifred as secretary of the governing board of the Women’s Residence Halls.
Visitors are encouraged to visit the installation, located in the lobby of Frieda Parker Hall, 1196 Third Street, West Lafayette, to learn more about the Parker sisters and their legacy.
Written by: Matthew Vader, writer/editor, Student Life Marketing