Fanny Jackson Coppin was a prominent African-American educator, activist, and advocate for jobs, voting rights, and the advancement of African Americans. In 1837, she was born into slavery in Washington, D.C. At twelve years old, her freedom was purchased by an aunt for $125. In 1860, she enrolled at Oberlin College, with financial assistance from her aunt and a scholarship from the African Methodist Church. Fanny herself recounts her experience as the first Black student-teacher at Oberlin College in REMINISCENCES of School Life, and Hints on Teaching:

The faculty did not forbid a woman to take the gentleman's course, but they did not advise it. There was plenty of Latin and Greek in it, and as much mathematics as one could shoulder. Now, I took a long breath and prepared for a delightful contest. All went smoothly until I was in the junior year in College. Then, one day, the Faculty sent for me--ominous request--and I was not slow in obeying it. It was a custom in Oberlin that forty students from the junior and senior classes were employed to teach the preparatory classes. As it was now time for the juniors to begin their work, the Faculty informed me that it was their purpose to give me a class, but I was to distinctly understand that if the pupils rebelled against my teaching, they did not intend to force it. Fortunately for my training at the normal school, and my own dear love of teaching, tho there was a little surprise on the faces of some when they came into the class, and saw the teacher, there were no signs of rebellion. The class went on increasing in numbers until it had to be divided, and I was given both divisions. One of the divisions ran up again, but the Faculty decided that I had as much as I could do, and it would not allow me to take any more work.

In 1965, Fanny graduated as one of the college's first Black female students. She eventually worked as a teacher in Philadelphia at the Institute for Colored Youth (now Cheyney University). Within four years, she was the first African American woman to be a principal in the Philadelphia school system. As principal, she helped establish the Industrial Department at the Institute that focused on industrial education for African American students:

When the Industrial Department was fully established, the following trades were being taught: For boys: bricklaying, plastering, carpentry, shoemaking, printing and tailoring. For the girls: dressmaking, millinery, typewriting, stenography and classes in cooking, including both boys and girls. Stenography and typewriting were also taught the boys, as well as the girls.

Fanny was a prominent advocate for African Americans. She was an active member of the National Association of Colored Women, becoming the first Vice President, and served on the board of the Colored Women’s League. She also served in the Women’s Christian Temperance Union, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, and the Women’s Loyal Union.

In Alameda County, California, Fanny was the founder of the Fanny Jackson Coppin Club, a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing African American rights. The club worked to increase African American voting rights, to ensure equal access to employment opportunities, and to provide educational opportunities for African American students in the county. Fanny also worked to improve the economic and political status of African Americans in the county by promoting African American businesses and organizations.

Fanny dedicated her life to tireless advocacy for African Americans through education and leadership. She was a trailblazing figure in her field and continues to be an inspiration.

Read more: REMINISCENCES of School Life, and Hints on Teaching: (Electronic Edition) by Fanny Jackson-Coppin