Lower Merion's First Black Female Basketball Captain Dies At 87

ARDMORE, PA — A groundbreaking member of the Lower Merion School District community died recently.

Anita Page Lindner, of Ardmore, died on Oct. 11.

She was 87 years old.

Lindner was Lower Merion High Schools' first black captain of the girls' basketball team, according to her obituary.

She led the team to a 6-2 record in the 1949-50 season.

The Philadelphia Inquirer writes she went on to play basketball and field hockey at West Chester University, where at the time were no accommodations for people of color.

She and her roommate were among the first African American students to live on West Chester's campus, the Inquirer reports.

According to her obituary, after graduating from West Chester she became the first African American woman to teach physical education and health at the high school level for the School District of Philadelphia.

Donations in Lindner's name can be made to the American Red Cross, Southeastern Pennsylvania Region, 2221 Chestnut St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19103.