Mary Church Terrell

Mary Church Terrell (September 23, 1863 – July 24, 1954), daughter of former slaves, was one of the first African-American women to earn a college degree. She became an activist who led several important associations, including the National Associate of Colored Women, and worked for civil rights and suffrage.

Read more about Mary Church Terrell:  Early Life and Education, Career, Legacy and Honors, Works

Famous quotes containing the words mary church, church and/or terrell:

    I cannot help wondering sometimes what I might have become and might have done if I had lived in a country which had not circumscribed and handicapped me on account of my race, but had allowed me to reach any height I was able to attain.
    Mary Church Terrell (1863–1954)

    In church your grandsire cut his throat;
    To do the job too long he tarried:
    He should have had my hearty vote
    To cut his throat before he married.
    Jonathan Swift (1667–1745)

    I cannot help wondering sometimes what I might have become and might have done if I had lived in a country which had not circumscribed and handicapped me on account of my race, but had allowed me to reach any height I was able to attain.
    —Mary Church Terrell (1863–1954)