Civil rights. Equal rights. Working hard for others earned Mary Church Terrell a place in our history. I enjoyed reading about her. She would have been interesting to talk to, to hear her story, and to thank her for her life and work, especially in helping me to be able to cast my vote.

Mary was born in September of 1863. Mary’s parents were former slaves living in Tennesee at the time of her birth. If you’d like to know more, check out this link: Mary Church Terrell | National Women’s History Museum

Here are some highlights of Mary’s life:

• Famous for these words “Lifting as we climb.”
• The National Association of Colored Women (NACW) adopted that phrase as their motto.
• At age 33, she helped found the NACW and served as president from 1896 to 1901.
• Graduate of Oberlin College in Ohio.
• Mom owned a hair salon. Her father was a businessman.
• Activist for women’s suffrage and civil rights.
• In 1909, she was one of the founders of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).

Video: She Was a Civil Rights Activist and Co-Founder of the NAACP

I am pleased to honor her life and contributions.

Keep learning, my friends.