20 Facts About Mary Church Terrell

Early Life and Education

Mary Church Terrell was a trailblazer in the fight for civil rights and women's suffrage. Her early life and education set the stage for her future activism.

1. Born on September 23, 1863, in Memphis, Tennessee, Mary Church Terrell was the daughter of former slaves who became successful entrepreneurs.
2. Her father, Robert Reed Church, was one of the South's first African American millionaires, while her mother, Louisa Ayers, owned a hair salon.
3. Terrell attended Antioch College Laboratory School in Ohio, where she was one of the few African American students.
4. She later graduated from Oberlin College in 1884, becoming one of the first African American women to earn a college degree.

Activism and Advocacy

Terrell's activism spanned several decades, focusing on civil rights, women's suffrage, and education.

5. In 1896, she co-founded the National Association of Colored Women (NACW) and served as its first president.
6. Terrell coined the NACW's motto, "Lifting as We Climb," emphasizing the importance of uplifting the African American community.
7. She was a founding member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) in 1909.
8. Terrell fought tirelessly for women's suffrage, working alongside prominent suffragists like Susan B. Anthony and Ida B. Wells.

Literary Contributions

Terrell was also a prolific writer, using her literary talents to advocate for social change.

9. She wrote numerous articles and essays for newspapers and magazines, addressing issues of race and gender equality.
10. In 1940, she published her autobiography, "A Colored Woman in a White World," detailing her experiences as an African American woman in a segregated society.
11. Terrell's writings often highlighted the intersectionality of race and gender, making her a pioneer in what we now call intersectional feminism.

Legal Battles and Victories

Terrell's activism extended to the courtroom, where she fought for equal rights through legal channels.

12. In 1950, at the age of 86, she led a successful campaign to desegregate restaurants in Washington, D.C.
13. Her lawsuit against the John R. Thompson Restaurant led to a landmark Supreme Court decision in 1953, which ruled that segregated eating establishments in the nation's capital were unconstitutional.
14. This victory was a significant step forward in the broader civil rights movement, setting a precedent for future desegregation efforts.

Legacy and Honors

Mary Church Terrell's legacy continues to inspire generations of activists and scholars.

15. In 1949, she became the first African American woman appointed to the District of Columbia Board of Education.
16. Terrell received numerous honors during her lifetime, including honorary degrees from Howard and Oberlin Colleges.
17. Her home in Washington, D.C., was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1975, recognizing her contributions to American history.
18. The Mary Church Terrell House is now a museum, preserving her legacy and educating the public about her life and work.

Personal Life and Family

Despite her public achievements, Terrell's personal life was also marked by significant events and relationships.

19. She married Robert Heberton Terrell, a prominent lawyer and judge, in 1891. They had two daughters, one of whom died in infancy.
20. Terrell balanced her family life with her activism, often involving her children in her work and instilling in them the values of equality and justice.

Mary Church Terrell's Lasting Legacy

Mary Church Terrell's impact on civil rights and education can't be overstated. Her relentless fight for equality paved the way for future generations. Terrell's work with the National Association of Colored Women and her role in desegregating restaurants in Washington, D.C., highlight her dedication to justice. She was a trailblazer who broke barriers, inspiring countless others to follow in her footsteps. Her legacy lives on in the continued struggle for equality and justice. Remembering her contributions helps us appreciate the progress made and the work still needed. Mary Church Terrell's story is a powerful reminder of the difference one person can make. Her life and achievements remain a beacon of hope and a call to action for all who seek a more just world.