Born: 1863 (Memphis, Tennessee)
Died: 1954
Biography:
Mary Church Terrell was a prominent African-American civil rights activist, suffragist, and educator. She was born on September 23, 1863, in Memphis, Tennessee, to Robert Reed Church and Louisa Ayres, both of whom were freed slaves with mixed racial ancestry. Terrell grew up in a privileged environment as her parents were part of the Black elite in Memphis during the Reconstruction Era.
Her father, Robert Reed Church, was a successful businessman who became one of the first African American millionaires in the southern states. He accumulated his wealth through real estate investments, particularly after the city of Memphis was depopulated following the yellow fever epidemic of 1878. Terrell’s mother, Louisa Ayres, was a pioneering entrepreneur who owned and operated a hair salon frequented by affluent residents of Memphis. Ayres’s success as a businesswoman inspired Terrell to pursue her own path of achievement.
Terrell’s parents valued education and sought the best opportunities for their daughter. At the age of eight, she attended the Antioch College Model School in Yellow Springs, Ohio, before her family relocated to Oberlin, Ohio. In Oberlin, Terrell continued her education in the public school system, graduating from high school in 1879.
Motivated by her parents’ encouragement and her own determination, Terrell decided to remain in Oberlin for her college education. She enrolled at Oberlin College, a progressive institution that admitted students regardless of race or gender. In 1884, Terrell became the first African-American woman to earn a bachelor’s degree from the college. She went on to pursue a master’s degree in education at Oberlin and graduated with honors in 1888.
After completing her education, Terrell taught in the Latin Department at the M Street School, which is now known as Paul Laurence Dunbar High School in Washington, D.C. It was the first public high school for African Americans in the United States. Terrell dedicated herself to providing quality education to her students, empowering them with knowledge and critical thinking skills.
Terrell’s commitment to education extended beyond the classroom. In 1892, she co-founded the Colored Women’s League of Washington, an organization aimed at addressing social and economic issues affecting African-American women. She believed that education was the key to social progress, and she advocated for better educational opportunities for African Americans.
In 1895, Terrell made history once again when she became the first African-American woman to be appointed to a major city’s school board. She served on the District of Columbia’s Board of Education until 1906, working tirelessly to improve the quality of education for African-American children.
Terrell’s activism and advocacy extended beyond education. In 1896, she helped establish the National Association of Colored Women (NACW), an organization dedicated to addressing social and economic issues affecting African-American women and their communities. Terrell served as the NACW’s first national president, using her platform to advocate for racial equality, women’s suffrage, and social justice.
During her tenure as the president of the NACW, Terrell fought against racial segregation and discrimination, advocating for equal rights and opportunities for all. She also played a significant role in the fight for women’s suffrage, believing that women’s empowerment was crucial for societal progress.
In 1909, Terrell became a charter member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), an organization dedicated to combating racial discrimination and promoting civil rights. She continued her activism throughout her life, working tirelessly to dismantle segregation and advocating for equal rights until her death.
Mary Church Terrell’s tireless efforts and trailblazing achievements made her an influential figure in the civil rights and suffrage movements. Her dedication to education, racial equality, and women’s empowerment left a lasting impact on society. She paved the way for future generations of African-American women to pursue education and become leaders in their communities. Terrell’s legacy reminds us of the importance of perseverance, determination, and the fight for justice.
Awards:
– Mary Church Terrell received numerous accolades and awards for her significant contributions to civil rights and women’s suffrage. A list of her official awards and recognitions includes:
– NAACP Spingarn Medal (1940)
– Induction into the National Women’s Hall of Fame (1993)