ABSTRACT
As gifted education evolved, so too did the needs of its stakeholders. In a time where print-only journals, newsletters, postal mail, and annual meetings were the main conduits of information, two national organizations emerged as leading advocates : the American Association for Gifted Children (AAGC) and the National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC). The 1940s and 1950s witnessed the rise of advocacy organizations focused on coordinating efforts on behalf of gifted children. With the establishment of organizations like the AAGC, NAGC, and the Association for the Gifted the researcher/advocate emerged as a new role in the field in the second half of the 20th century. Paul Witty was one the first researchers to seriously begin researching minority gifted students, and he also mentored graduate students of color. Ruth Strang's involvement in gifted education emanated from the strong foundation established at Teachers College by Leta Hollingworth. Strang also benefitted from the early female professoriate that was supported at Teachers College.
