Notable Black Women Educators to Know for History of Black Women in America

Notable Black women educators have played a crucial role in shaping the educational landscape for African Americans. Their efforts not only advanced education but also empowered communities, advocating for civil rights and social justice throughout history.

1. Mary McLeod Bethune

   • Founded the National Council of Negro Women in 1935 to advocate for African American women's rights.
   • Established the Bethune-Cookman College in Florida, focusing on education for Black students.
   • Served as an advisor to President Franklin D. Roosevelt, promoting racial equality and education.

2. Anna Julia Cooper

   • Authored "A Voice from the South," advocating for the education and empowerment of Black women.
   • Became one of the first African American women to earn a Ph.D. in the United States.
   • Emphasized the importance of education as a means of social change and uplift for Black communities.

3. Charlotte Hawkins Brown

   • Founded the Palmer Memorial Institute in North Carolina, a prestigious school for Black students.
   • Advocated for vocational training and education that prepared students for leadership roles.
   • Worked to improve educational opportunities for African Americans in the Jim Crow South.

4. Nannie Helen Burroughs

   • Established the National Training School for Women and Girls in Washington, D.C., focusing on vocational education.
   • Advocated for the inclusion of Black women in the workforce and higher education.
   • Played a significant role in the National Baptist Convention, promoting education and social justice.

5. Fanny Jackson Coppin

   • First African American woman to earn a degree from Oberlin College in 1865.
   • Served as the principal of the Institute for Colored Youth in Pennsylvania, emphasizing academic excellence.
   • Advocated for the education of Black children and the importance of teaching as a profession for Black women.

6. Septima Poinsette Clark

   • Developed citizenship schools in the South to educate Black adults on voting rights and civic engagement.
   • Worked with the Southern Christian Leadership Conference to promote civil rights through education.
   • Emphasized the role of education in achieving social justice and empowerment for African Americans.

7. Marva Collins

   • Founded the Marva Collins Preparatory School in Chicago, focusing on individualized education for underprivileged children.
   • Advocated for high academic standards and the belief that all children can learn.
   • Became a national figure in education reform, emphasizing the importance of nurturing students' potential.

8. Lucy Craft Laney

   • Founded the Haines Normal and Industrial Institute in Georgia, providing education for Black children.
   • Advocated for vocational training and the importance of education in combating racial discrimination.
   • Played a key role in the establishment of the first African American kindergarten in the South.

9. Mary Church Terrell

   • Co-founded the National Association of Colored Women, advocating for civil rights and women's suffrage.
   • Became one of the first African American women to earn a college degree in the U.S.
   • Used her platform to address issues of race, gender, and education, promoting equality and justice.

10. Fannie Lou Hamer

    • Co-founded the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party, advocating for voting rights and political representation.
    • Worked to improve education and economic opportunities for Black communities in Mississippi.
    • Became a national leader in the civil rights movement, emphasizing the importance of grassroots activism and education.