By the 1890s, Black women’s clubs were boomimg. More than five thousand Black women joined the seven chapters of the National association of Colored Women’s Clubs, and NACWC President Mary Church Terrell had become the first Black woman to serve on the District of Columbia Board of Education. As the NACWC grew its membership, more and more prominent Black woman suffragists swelled the ranks, which brought a brighter spotlight and increased prestige to local clubs and the larger national organization.
Still, women, especially Black women, were being encouraged by their churches, their husbands, and their families to stay focused and committed to taking care of their homes and their children. Activists like Anna Julia Cooper thought they needed to do more.
In 1892, Cooper published her first book, A Voice from the South: By a Black Woman of the South, which is considered one of the earliest books about Black women and feminism. Its overall premise was simple enough: In order to lift up the entire African American community, more African American women had to become formally educated. Education was also going to be a key factor in the suffrage battle.
Start Over
Comprehension Questions
1. What was the subject of Anna Julia Cooper's first book?
A. Southern cuisine
B. Sheet music for organ players
C. Empowerment of Black women in America
2. What did family and church members encourage women to do?
A. Hit the streets and protest.
B. Start newspapers.
C. Stay focused on caring for their homes and children.
A. Hit the streets and protest.
B. Start newspapers.
C. Stay focused on caring for their homes and children.
Your Thoughts
3. Did you like this excerpt? Why or why not?
Vocabulary
4. List any vocabulary words below.