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Summer 2020 Woman of the Week posts: August 2020

Mary Jane Patterson (August 3)

Above photo: Infographic depicting the information about Mary Jane Patterson written in this post. Mary Jane Patterson, OC Class of 1862 Born into slavery in Raleigh, North Carolina, Patterson devoted her life to educating herself and others. Born September 12, 1840; Died September 2, 1894 Patterson was born into slavery, but moved to Oberlin, Ohio in 1856 with her family A.B., Oberlin College, 1862 Taught in Chillicothe, Ohio upon graduation Served as assistant to Fanny Jackson Coppin at Philadelphia’s Institute for Colored Youth Increased enrollment at the Preparatory High School for Colored Youth from 50 to 172 students during her administration MAJOR MILESTONES 1862- First African American woman to earn a bachelor’s degree 1871- Served as the first Black principal of Preparatory High School for Colored Youth, now Paul Laurence Dunbar High School in Washington, D.C. 1892- Co-founded the Colored Women’s League of Washington D.C.

Anna Julia Cooper (August 10)

Above photo: Infographic depicting the information about Anna Julia Cooper written in this post. Anna Julia Cooper, OC Class of 1884 Cooper was born Anna Julia Haywood in Raleigh, North Carolina. Enslaved at birth, she became a prominent scholar, author, educator, and activist. Born August 10, 1858; Died February 27, 1964 Cooper was born into slavery in Raleigh, North Carolina A.B., Oberlin College, 1884; M.A., Oberlin College, 1887; Ph.D., University of Paris, 1924 Taught Latin and served as principal at M Street High School in Washington, D.C. Author of A Voice From the South and Slavery and the French Revolutionists (1788-1805) Served as both president and registrar for Frelinghuysen University MAJOR MILESTONES 1892- Co-founded the Colored Women’s League of Washington, D.C. 1893- Became the only woman elected to the American Negro Academy 1924- Became the fourth Black woman in America to earn a Doctorate of Philosophy

 

Coloring page

NOTE: Right-click on the image below, and then choose "Save Image As." This will allow you to download the image to your computer.

Coloring book page of Anna Julia Cooper Black History postage stamp

Katherine Wright Haskell (August 17)

Above photo: Infographic depicting the information about Katharine Wright Haskell written in this post. Katharine Wright Haskell, OC Class of 1898 Born in Dayton, Ohio, Wright Haskell may be best known as the younger sister of Orville and Wilbur Wright, but she also accomplished many things independently. Born August 19, 1874; Died March 3, 1929 A.B., Oberlin College, 1898 The only member of the famous Wright siblings to earn a college degree Taught Latin and English at the Dayton Steele High School Managed the Wright Cycle Co. bicycle shop in Dayton, Ohio Received the Legion d’honneur, the highest French order of merit for military and civic achievements MAJOR MILESTONES 1909- Accompanied her brothers to France to act as a translator and frequently represented them at public events 1914- Organized a march for women’s suffrage in Dayton, Ohio, which drew 1,300 supporters 1924- Became one of the first women to serve on Oberlin College’s board of trustees

 

 

Willa Beatrice Player (August 24)