Born: 1823 (Wilmington, Delaware)
Died: 1893 (Washington, D.C.)
Biography:
Mary Ann Camberton Shadd Cary (October 9, 1823 June 5, 1893) was an American-Canadian anti-slavery activist, journalist, publisher, teacher, and lawyer. She played a significant role in promoting racial equality and women’s rights, becoming a trailblazer in her activism and accomplishments. Shadd Cary was the first black woman publisher in North America and the first woman publisher in Canada. She was also the second black woman to attend law school in the US. Her dedication to education, abolition, and civil rights made her one of the most influential and inspiring figures of her time.
Mary Ann Shadd was born in Wilmington, Delaware, on October 9, 1823, to Abraham Doras Shadd and Harriet Burton Parnell, both free African-Americans. Her family had a strong commitment to the fight against slavery and actively participated in the Underground Railroad, assisting those fleeing from bondage. Growing up, Shadd Cary’s childhood home frequently served as a refuge for fugitive slaves. However, when Delaware made it illegal to educate African-American children, the Shadd family moved to Pennsylvania, where Mary attended a Quaker boarding school.
In 1840, Shadd Cary returned to East Chester and established a school for black children. She also taught in Norristown, Pennsylvania, and New York City, showing her passion for education and empowering young minds.
In 1853, Shadd Cary established herself as a prominent figure in the fight for racial equality by becoming the editor of The Provincial Freeman, a newspaper she founded. Published weekly in southern Ontario, Canada, the newspaper advocated for equality, integration, and self-education for black people in both Canada and the United States. Shadd Cary used her platform to amplify the voices of African Americans, providing a space to share their stories and opinions.
Following the passage of the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850, which reinforced the capture and return of escaped slaves, Shadd Cary and her family relocated to Canada to ensure their freedom and safety. In Canada, she continued her work as an activist, organizing lectures and speeches on abolition and equality.
During the American Civil War, Shadd Cary returned to the United States and dedicated herself to recruiting black soldiers for the Union Army. Her efforts aimed to support the cause of emancipation and the fight against slavery. Her fearless determination and commitment to the Union’s cause exemplified her unwavering devotion to justice and freedom.
After the war, Mary Ann Shadd Cary pursued higher education by attending Howard University Law School, becoming the second black woman to do so. She graduated in 1883 and became a licensed attorney, making groundbreaking strides in the legal profession. Throughout her life, she advocated for civil rights, focusing on African Americans and women’s rights.
Shadd Cary’s contributions to women’s history and her efforts to advance racial equality and social justice made her an indispensable figure in American and Canadian history. She broke down barriers, shattered stereotypes, and paved the way for future generations to continue the fight for equal rights.