Born: May 3, 1898 (Charleston, South Carolina)
Died: December 15, 1987
Biography:
Septima Poinsette Clark (May 3, 1898 – December 15, 1987) was an African American educator and civil rights activist who played a significant role in the fight for voting rights and civil rights for African Americans during the Civil Rights Movement. Despite facing under-appreciation from Southern male activists, Clark’s contributions were vital in empowering marginalized groups and promoting social change. She is often referred to as the Queen mother or Grandmother of the Civil Rights Movement in the United States, and Martin Luther King Jr. recognized her as The Mother of the Movement.
Born and raised in Charleston, South Carolina, on May 3, 1898, Clark’s early life was deeply influenced by Reconstruction and the prevailing power dynamics of the time. Charleston was a city strictly segregated along racial lines and divided by class. Her father, Peter Poinsette, was born into slavery on Joel Roberts Poinsett’s plantation, known as the White House, near Georgetown. Joel Roberts Poinsett was a prominent US politician, with the Poinsettia plant named after him. Peter worked as a house servant for Joel and was responsible for escorting the children to and from school.
After the abolition of slavery, Peter found employment on a ship in the Charleston harbor and traveled to Haiti. It was during this trip that he met Victoria, Clark’s mother. The couple later married in Jacksonville, Florida, and returned to Charleston. Victoria Warren Anderson Poinsette, Clark’s mother, was born in Charleston but raised in Haiti by her brother. Unenslaved and determined to never be a servant, Victoria returned to Charleston after the Civil War and worked as a launderer.
In Charleston, Victoria raised her children with strict discipline, allowing them only one day a week to play with other children. She insisted on raising her daughters as refined ladies, requiring them to wear gloves in public, refrain from yelling, and avoid eating on the street. Victoria’s aspiration to improve her social class led to tensions with Peter, as she believed he wasn’t providing enough for the family.
Growing up in this environment, Clark was exposed to her mother’s struggle for upward mobility and the limitations imposed on African Americans. These formative experiences would shape Clark’s desire to challenge the status quo and fight for civil rights.
Clark dedicated her life to education, recognizing the power of knowledge in empowering marginalized communities. She began her teaching career in Charleston, but her activism eventually cost her job due to her involvement with the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). Undeterred, she moved to Columbia, South Carolina, and became a teacher at Booker T. Washington High School.
Clark’s innovative approach to education became instrumental in empowering African Americans and promoting civil rights. She developed the Citizenship Schools, literacy and citizenship workshops aimed at promoting voter registration and political participation. These schools, inspired by adult education programs, provided African Americans with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate complex voter registration tests and discriminatory laws.
Clark’s work quickly gained recognition, and her Citizenship Schools spread throughout the South. Her efforts not only empowered individuals to exercise their right to vote but also fostered a sense of community and solidarity among African Americans. The Citizenship Schools became a cornerstone of the Civil Rights Movement, with countless individuals benefiting from Clark’s tireless efforts.
Despite facing opposition from segregationist forces, Clark’s determination and unwavering commitment to social justice remained steadfast. She collaborated with prominent civil rights leaders, including Martin Luther King Jr., who acknowledged her influential role in the movement. Clark’s belief that knowledge could empower marginalized groups in ways that formal legal equality couldn’t underpinned her work and cemented her reputation as a key figure in the fight for civil rights.
Septima Poinsette Clark continued her activism well into her later years, even after retiring from teaching. Her legacy as an educator, civil rights activist, and advocate for African American political participation and empowerment stands as a testament to her unwavering dedication. She not only fought for equality but also inspired others to follow in her footsteps, shaping the course of women’s history and leaving an indelible mark on society.
Awards:
– 1984: Recognition as a member of the South Carolina Hall of Fame