Born: 1870 (Sumner County, Tennessee)
Died: 1943
Biography:
Mattie E. Coleman (1870-1943) was one of Tennessee’s first African-American woman physicians. She was a religious feminist and suffragist who was instrumental in building alliances between black and white women.
Life:
Coleman, née Howard, was born in Sumner County, Tennessee, on July 3, 1870. She was the oldest of four children born to an African Methodist Episcopal (AME) minister. After completing high school at Walden University high school, Coleman graduated from Central Tennessee College in 1885. She had a strong interest in medicine and dedicated herself to pursuing a career as a physician.
In 1902, Coleman married the Reverend P. J. Coleman and converted to her husband’s denomination, the Colored Methodist Episcopal (CME) Church. She continued her education and graduated from Meharry Medical College in 1906, becoming one of the nation’s first black female physicians. Her determination and perseverance allowed her to break barriers and pave the way for future generations of African-American women in the medical field.
Dr. Coleman established a medical practice in Clarksville, Tennessee, where she provided medical assistance to those in need. This was her way of contributing to the improvement of social justice for African Americans, particularly in areas like education and healthcare. She actively participated in both religious and secular women’s societies, advocating for the rights and wellbeing of her community.
In 1918, Coleman played a significant role in founding the Woman’s Connectional Missionary Council, the first woman-run society within the CME Church. She became its first president and held the position for 20 years, making a substantial impact on the organization. Coleman recognized the importance of building bridges between black and white women as they worked towards their social goals. She understood that collaboration and mutual support would enable black women to have a greater influence in society while also assisting white women in defining their own agendas.
Coleman worked closely with white women of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, to achieve their common objectives. Together, they sponsored initiatives such as the Bethlehem House settlement, which provided a range of essential services, including a kindergarten, sewing schools, and Bible story hours. Coleman’s leadership and dedication to her cause contributed to what is believed to be the initiation of a biracial alliance in Nashville.
Throughout her lifetime, Coleman championed social justice and women’s rights. In a speech as the president of the CME Connectional Ministry Council, she emphasized the need for equal opportunities for black women to contribute and participate actively in their church and community. Coleman recognized that by enlisting the support of white women, black women could gain more independence and leadership roles in the church.
Mattie E. Coleman’s contributions to her community, her leadership among CME women, and her alliances with white women were critical to achieving social justice goals and advancing suffrage. Her unwavering dedication has made her a significant figure in women’s history and continues to inspire future generations.