Celebrating 101 Years of Ruth Henry Adjorlolo: A Life of Service, Advocacy, and Art

Celebrating the Life of Ruth Emily Henry: A Journey of Service, Art, and Advocacy

The Community Development and Citizens Engagement Division under the Ministry of Social Transformation proudly celebrates the remarkable life of Ruth Henry Adjorlolo as part of our focus on community development and citizens’ empowerment. At 101 years old, Ruth’s life is an inspiring testament to service, advocacy, and resilience, and her contributions to both Antigua and the wider world are worthy of recognition.

Ruth Emily Henry Adjorlolo, a remarkable figure known for her commitment to social welfare and advocacy for women and girls, was born at home on St. Mary’s Street on October 3, 1923, to Roland and Therese Henry. As the eldest of eight children, Ruth faced early challenges, including the loss of her second sibling in infancy. However, her resilience and passion for education and community service defined her life and legacy.

Education and Early Accomplishments

Ruth attended Antigua Girls’ High School from May 1930 to December 1941. Her academic achievements were notable; in December 1940, she earned the School Certificate, which exempted her from the University of London’s Matriculation requirements, and received a Distinction in English Language. As a Prefect, she exemplified leadership and dedication, as reflected in the report from Ms. Branch, the Headmistress, who described her as “honourable, industrious, courteous, and helpful.” Ruth’s enthusiasm for social welfare was evident even during her school years; she received the Lady Stockdale Prize for her outstanding contributions to community service.

Becoming Miss Antigua and a Global Advocate

In 1948, Ruth was selected to represent Antigua as Miss Antigua—a decision she humbly attributed to “the ladies” of the community. Her journey then took her to New York, where she joined the Social Affairs Department of the Human Rights Division at the United Nations, then located at Lake Success. Ruth’s time at the UN was transformative, allowing her to work closely with Eleanor Roosevelt on the draft of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. A quote from Roosevelt that resonated deeply with Ruth was: “Irrespective of race, colour, or creed, people laugh and cry at the same things.”

A New Chapter in the Gold Coast

In 1952, Ruth married Eric Adjorlolo, a Journalism student from the Gold Coast studying at Columbia University. After Eric graduated with two master’s degrees, the family relocated to the Gold Coast in December 1955. This period was pivotal in British colonial history, as the Gold Coast gained independence from Britain on March 6, 1957. Eric served as Head of News at the Ghana Broadcasting System, placing Ruth and her family at the forefront of the historic changes occurring in the nation. During this time, Ruth was thrilled to welcome her sister Gerda Hewlett

and her family to Ghana, where many Caribbean professionals were contributing to the newly independent country.

Career and Contributions

Throughout her career, Ruth worked in various roles in public relations and media for organizations such as First Ghana Building Society, Shell (Ghana) Ltd, Union Carbide, and Texaco. In 1970, she founded the first Zonta Club of Accra, an international organization dedicated to improving the lives of women and girls through service and advocacy. The club has since flourished, making a significant impact in the community.

Additionally, Ruth was invited to carry out a UN project to train women in southern Africa in skills that would enable them to support their families economically. Her dedication to service extended beyond her professional life; she also expressed her artistic side by establishing the “Art Den” in her home in Accra, where she offered art lessons to aspiring artists.

Legacy and Life Lessons

Ruth’s life is a testament to seizing opportunities and embracing learning. She has travelled extensively with her husband and on her own, even studying Philosophy at McGill University during their two years in Montreal from 1964 to 1966. With a great sense of humour and unwavering faith, Ruth navigated life’s challenges with grace, embodying the belief that “when life gives you lemons, you make lemonade.”

In conclusion, her legacy is one of service, advocacy, and artistic expression. Her journey inspires others to recognize the value of education, the importance of community engagement, and the power of resilience in the face of adversity. As we celebrate her life, we are reminded of the profound impact one individual can have on the world around them.

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