Hi! Every Tuesday this month is dedicated to Black pioneers in the Education, Law and Medical sectors. Each sector gets a spotlight, and the last one is usually a toss-up. Per usual we're kicking things off with someone who made their impact in education. As I said a couple of days ago, some entrants are featured but not because they have a novel of accomplishments and accolades bursting from the seams. Some are featured because they made an important, lasting impact on an industry and meaningfully paved the way with a few or even one singular accomplishment(s). I want to make sure that's clear so that there's no comparison between each entrant, and if one day seems shorter than the other it doesn't mean the accomplishment was any less important. To me there is no comparison, and I'm ready and willing to celebrate Black excellence in any fashion, big or small. Anyway, let's get to it!
Name: Mary Jane Patterson, 1840-1894
Profession: Teacher, principal, women's rights advocate
Why is the Spotlight on her today? For being the first African-American to graduate from a four-year program and earn a Bachelor of Arts degree
Notables:
--Was born into slavery but obtained her freedom along with the rest of her family when her father was granted his
--Attended the first integrated co-ed college in the nation when she enrolled in Oberlin College in Ohio, earning her Bachelor's of Arts with full honors and becoming both the first Black and first Black female graduate in the nation in the process
--Helped maintain the Home for the Aged and Infirm Colored People
--Worked at the Institute for Colored Youth (ICY) in Philadelphia in the female department, where she was an assistant to Fanny Jackson Coppin, a college classmate and friend
--Was involved in women's rights throughout her tenure as an educator, helping found the Colored Women's League of Washington, D. C. (which was later renamed the National Association of Colored Women) alongside Mary Church Terrell, another college classmate
--Taught at the Preparatory High School for Colored Youth after leaving the ICY and after two years, was promoted to principal, making her the school's first Black principal
--Was demoted to assistant principal after a year in favor of a Black male candidate, who left after only serving for a year, allowing her to take back her position and maintain it until her resignation 11 years later
--Oversaw the introduction of several new things that helped build up the school, such as graduation commencements, a 3x student enrollment increase, increasing the standards and quality of curriculum, and introducing a teacher training program
--Returned to teaching after resigning as principal and maintained that position until her death a decade later
Further reading links:
Quote of the Day:
"Negroes Sweet and docile, Meek, humble, and kind: Beware the day They change their minds! Wind In the cotton fields, Gentle breeze: Beware the hour It uproots trees!"
-Langston Hughes
Today's charity:
What does the organization provide? Resources and dedicated focus to the education, health and overall wellbeing of Black children from 0-8 through a number of programs dedicated to increase literacy, cultivate familial bonds, and assist with educational prep. NBCDI's goal is to empower parents through providing them with the support and resources they need to raise healthy, strong, educated Black children. They also advocate for the needs of Black children and their families at both state and federal levels to ensure that they are receiving the necessary help, instruction, and equal treatment that they deserve.
See you tomorrow!
No comments:
Post a Comment