I. Myrtle Carden
*The birth of I. Myrtle Carden is celebrated on this date in 1905. She was a Black social worker and administrator.
I. Myrtle Carden was born in Philadelphia, PA., and graduated from Temple University and the Pennsylvania School of Social Work. Soon after, she worked at the Sharpe St. Settlement House in Baltimore. In 1929, Carden was hired as the first director of the Hallie Q. Brown Community Center in St. Paul, MN. Under her leadership, Hallie Q. Brown became a hub of social life, cultural activity, and community service.
On April 24, 1941, Carden brought W.E. B. Du Bois to the community center to speak at a convocation, including the University of Minnesota. Carden held this position for 20 years. She retired in 1949 and moved to Philadelphia, PA. I. Myrtle Carden died on August 23, 1950.