FSU Black History Spotlight: Homage to an Original Voice Editor
posted by Ty Hamer-Yelverton | February 14, 2022 | In Arts and Culture82 years since Fayetteville State University’s inception as a historical, Black institution of higher education, Bertha Barnes, Grandma Bert, became the editor-in-chief of The Voice student newspaper, president of the Drama Guild, superintendent of Fayetteville State University Sunday School, and a member of the committee to work out a constitution for the proposed student council.
In the spring 1949, she won an essay contest for an essay that she wrote, inspired by notes from a chapel lecture entitled “Radar.”
Grandma Bert made history as the youngest to graduate from FSU at 19. After graduation, her dream of becoming a teacher became a reality, when she worked at Lowndes County Public Schools in Valdosta, Georgia.
In 1955, Bertha Elizabeth Barnes married her college sweetheart, Forrest Theophilus Hamer, who also attend FSU as a private in U.S. Army. From their union were born four children.
Grandma Bert was determined to obtain two master’s degree from New York University and another from East Carolina University while being a wife and mother. She was faithful and active in her community and church.
After 45 years as an educator and administrator, Bertha Barnes Hamer retired as a Title I Involvement Coordinator for Wayne County Public Schools. She passed away on December 24, 1996, two days after her 68th birthday. Grandma Bert was a true example of FSU history and what Bronco Pride means.
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