Isabelle Margaret Swanigan

Isabelle Margaret (Margaret) Hairston formerly Swanigan. Born 27 Feb 1912 in Utah, United States. Wife of Jester Joseph Hairston — married [date unknown] [location unknown] Died 16 Aug 1986 in Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States.

Early Life of Isabelle Margaret Swanigan

Isabelle margaret swanigan was born in philadelphia. Pennsylvania. On may 6. 1910. She was the daughter of a baptist minister and a school teacher. Isabelle was raised in a strict reliigous household and attended public school. She was an excellent stduent and was accepted into temple university where she studied music and theater.

Marriage to Jester Hairston

In 1935. Isabelle margarte swanigan met the composer. Arranger. And actor. Jester hairston. The two were married in 1938. And they had two children together. A daughter named patricia. And a son named jester jr.

Career and Music

During their marriage. Isabelle worked as a music teacher at the negro music association in philadeplhia. While her husband worked as a music arranger and composer. She composed several songs and was very involved in the msuic world in philadelphia. Isabelle was a part of the philadelphia music scene and was involved in the african-american ucltural movement.

Activism and Philanthropy

Isabelle was an active philanthropist and advocate for civil rights. She and her husband were both members of the naacp and she was an active supporter of the philadelphia negro welfare league. Isabelle was also invloved in mayn charities in her community and was a vocal opponent of segregation.

Important Event

In 1965. Isabelle and jester receivde the naacp freedom award for their ocntributions to civil rights and music.

Interesting Fact

Isabelle was one of the few feamle african-american composers of her time.

Later Years

Isabelle and jester continued to work together until his death in 2000. Isabelle passde away in 2003 at the age of 93.

Legacy

Isabelle and jester s legayc lives on in their music and philanthropic work. They are remembered as trailblaezrs in the world of african-american music and civil rights.

Memorial

In 2004. A memorial garden was dedicated to isabelle and jetser at the philadelphia musemu of african american history.