Diggs, Irene (1906–)
Diggs, Irene (1906–)
African-American anthropologist. Name variations: Ellen Irene Diggs. Born Ellen Diggs, April 13, 1906, in Monmouth, Illinois; died Mar 15, 1998, in Gwynn Oak, Maryland; dau. of Henry Charles and Alice (Scott) Diggs; University of Minnesota, BS, 1928; Atlanta University, MA, 1933, the 1st to be granted there in the field of anthropology; doctorate from University of Havana, 1945.
Pioneering black scholar in African Diaspora and Afro-Latin studies, served as chief research assistant to W.E.B. Du Bois (1933–1943, 1945–1947), editing the Encyclopedia of the Negro (1945), and co-founding the influential journal Phylon: A Review of Race and Culture; while at University of Havana, traveled extensively throughout Cuba collecting folklore, recording village music, and observing traditional Afro-Cuban dances and rituals; taught at Morgan State College (now University, 1947–76); writings include Black Chronology: From 4000 B.C. to the Abolition of the Slave Trade (1983). Received Distinguished Scholar Award from Association of Black Anthropologists (1978).
See also Women in World History.