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SIGN UPLethia is a female name of Greek origin, meaning "Forgetfulness." In Greek mythology, Lethia was the goddess of forgetfulness and oblivion. The name is associated with the concept of being forgetful or having a tendency to forget. It is derived from the Greek word "lethe," which translates to "forgetfulness" or "oblivion."Apart from its meaning, Lethia is also the scientific name of two genera of organisms. It is used to refer to a genus of moths in the family Sphingidae and a genus of plants in the family Iridaceae. These diverse associations give depth and uniqueness to the name Lethia, reflecting its connections to nature and the natural world.Overall, Lethia is a name that carries a rich historical and mythological significance, while also being linked to the natural world through its usage in scientific nomenclature.
Lethia Sherman Hankins (January 2, 1934 – December 29, 2014) was an influential figure in Wilmington, North Carolina, known for her roles as an educator, civic leader, and politician. Born in Georgetown, South Carolina, she became the first in her family to pursue a college education, graduating from North Carolina A&T. Hankins began her career as an English teacher at Williston Senior High School and later played a pivotal role in defusing racial tensions during the desegregation debates in the late 1960s. Her dedication to public service led her to seek elected office, and she served on the Wilmington city council from 2003 to 2007. Hankins was deeply involved in various community organizations, including the 1898 Foundation, the New Hanover County Human Relations Commission, and the YWCA, where she received the Dorothy I. Height Racial Justice Award in 2005. She was also a devoted member of the First Baptist Missionary Church and the Wilmington Alpha Kappa Alpha chapter. Hankins' legacy lives on through her contributions to racial justice and her impact on women's history, as recognized by the League of Women Voters in 2020. She left behind a lasting impression, and her possessions are now part of the Cape Fear Museum's permanent collection, serving as a testament to her enduring influence.
Lethia Cousins Fleming (November 7, 1876 – September 22, 1963) was a prominent African-American suffragist, teacher, social worker, civil rights activist, and a key figure in Republican politics at both local and national levels. Born in Tazewell, Virginia, Fleming pursued her education at Morristown College in Tennessee and Bluefield State College in West Virginia, specializing in education. She later taught in various schools in Virginia and West Virginia. In 1912, she married Thomas "Tom" Wallace Fleming, a lawyer and Cleveland city councilman. Throughout her life, Fleming was actively involved in various campaigns and organizations, including the Board of Lady Managers of the Cleveland Home for Aged Colored People, national campaign efforts for three Republican presidential candidates, and the Cuyahoga County Child Welfare Board. She was also a member of the NAACP and the Phillis Wheatley Association, and she had a keen interest in the Baha'i Faith. Lethia Cousins Fleming passed away on September 22, 1963, leaving behind a legacy of advocacy and dedicated service. She is buried at Lake View Cemetery in Cleveland. For more information, you can access the Lethia Cousins Fleming Papers from OhioLink.
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