Born: 1825 (Baltimore, Maryland)
Died: 1911
Biography:
Frances Ellen Watkins Harper (September 24, 1825 – February 22, 1911) was an American abolitionist, suffragist, poet, temperance activist, teacher, public speaker, and writer. She was born free in Baltimore, Maryland, and had an extraordinary life dedicated to fighting for the rights of African Americans and women.
After being orphaned at the age of three, Harper was raised by her maternal aunt and uncle, Henrietta and Rev. William J. Watkins, Sr. Her uncle, a minister at the Sharp Street African Methodist Episcopal Church, played a significant role in shaping her activism. Harper received her education at the Watkins Academy for Negro Youth, established by her uncle, which provided her with a strong foundation for her future endeavors.
At the age of 13, Harper began working as a seamstress and nursemaid for a white family who owned a bookshop. Although she had to give up formal schooling, she took advantage of her spare time to read extensively from the books in the shop and cultivate her passion for writing. This early exposure to literature would play a major role in shaping her future career as a writer.
In 1845, Harper made her mark in history as one of the first African-American women to be published in the United States. At the age of 20, she published her first book of poetry, demonstrating her literary prowess and establishing herself as a voice for African Americans. She continued to write and publish throughout her long and prolific career, becoming the most popular African-American poet before Paul Laurence Dunbar.
However, Harper’s activism extended beyond the written word. In 1850, she taught domestic science at Union Seminary in Columbus, Ohio, a school affiliated with the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church. It was during this time that she began to write anti-slavery literature while living with the family of William Still, a prominent figure in the Pennsylvania Abolition Society and an active participant in the Underground Railroad.
Joining the American Anti-Slavery Society in 1853 marked the start of Harper’s career as a public speaker and political activist. She used her powerful oratory skills to advocate for the abolition of slavery and women’s rights. Harper became a prominent figure in the suffrage movement, fighting for not only the rights of African Americans but also for the rights of women.
In addition to her activism, Harper had a successful literary career. Her collection of poetry, Poems on Miscellaneous Subjects, published in 1854, became a commercial success and solidified her position as a respected writer. She made literary history in 1859 when her short story, Two Offers, was published in the Anglo-African, becoming the first short story published by a Black woman.
Harper’s impact extended beyond her writing and speeches. She founded, supported, and held high office in several national progressive organizations. In 1886, she became the superintendent of the Colored Section of the Philadelphia and Pennsylvania Women’s Christian Temperance Union, working tirelessly for social reform. In 1896, she played a significant role in the founding of the National Association of Colored Women and served as its vice president.
Frances Ellen Watkins Harper passed away at the age of 85 on February 22, 1911, nine years before women gained the right to vote. Her life was marked by a relentless dedication to the fight for equality and justice. She paved the way for future generations of African-American women and left an indelible impact on the history of women’s rights and civil rights in America.
Awards:
(No official awards or recognitions have been recorded for Frances Ellen Watkins Harper)