Today is the 197th Birthday of the Mary Ann Shadd Cary. Who is she? She was an activist and the first Black Female Publisher in North America. As an editor that knows the power of using your voice, I am super proud to bring even more awareness to this amazing woman in history. It is because of Google that even more people are being introduced to her.
Google’s doodles always give us more insight into American history. Today was no different. The truth is, we usually only hear of certain Black women in history while so many others’ stories are erased from memory. Google has been doing a great job in the past year of highlighting these pioneers. After their backlash from omitting the Juneteenth celebration a couple years back, it seems they’ve tapped into the diversity pot of ideas and are finding some really amazing gems. After all, Black people are the gems of the world. With countless contributions to society, you could very well highlight a Black person daily in the Google Doodle, but we believe in the fairness of the contributions of the collective human space. Now, let me put y’all up on game about our sister, Mary Ann.
According to wikipedia, Shadd Cary’s family was involved in the Underground Railroad assisting those fleeing slavery. After the passage of the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850, her family relocated to Canada. She returned to the United States during the American Civil War where she recruited soldiers for the Union. She taught, went to Howard University Law School, and continued advocacy for civil rights for African Americans and women for the rest of her life.
Sis was born free but never let that deter her from helping others gain freedom. She did not allow that privilege to keep her inactive in the plight of her people. I am inspired by her fortitude and will to see her people free. This is why I created I Hear That Girl!, and ancestors like Mary Ann Shadd Cary live on through those of us who take up the mantel and carry on. Don’t let her spirit die, continue to say her name.
