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Dr.Mary Church Terrell,the first Black person to serve on the Washington,DC,Board of Education and the first President of the National Association of Colored Women,was born in Memphis,TN,on this date 1863.

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Terrell found that black women’s groups were routinely excluded from national women’s organizations during the late 19th century. They weren’t even allowed to participate in the planning of the 1893 World’s Fair, but they could attend. Because of this, Terrell and other black women leaders formed the National Association of Colored Women (NACW) in 1896, an organization that would support black women’s groups throughout the country. She and the NACW worked to end discrimination based on gender and race. One way was through educating the public. Passionate about education, Terrell sold her speeches to raise money for a kindergarten as well.

To learn more about this person visit your local library.

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