Edith Wilkins, born on May 16, 1893, grew up in the town of Little Rock, Arkansas. She was the oldest of five children and the granddaughter of a slave. Growing up, Wilkins dedicated her entire life to school. She attended the Arkansas Baptist College and Poro College, and at the age of 26 she moved to Cleveland in 1918 with her husband and two daughters. Once they arrived in Cleveland, Wilkins continued her education by attending Western Reserve University, Wilberforce University, and the A&I State College in Nashville, Tennessee. She also had the opportunity to go to beautician school in Paris. Wilkins established a career as a beautician and educator in 1918, and ultimately purchased her own building on East 46th and Cedar Avenue in early 1936, officially founding the Wilkins School of Cosmetology. | Date: August 27, 1936 | Source: Cleveland Call and PostDownload Original File
