Nannie Helen Burroughs was a prominent African American educator, religious leader, and suffragist in the early 20th century. She is remembered today for her tireless advocacy for civil rights, education, and women’s rights.

Born in 1883 in Orange, Virginia, Nannie Helen Burroughs was a strong and independent woman from the start. After graduating from the National Training School for Women and Girls in Washington, DC, Burroughs became a teacher. She taught in several cities throughout the country and eventually returned to the DC area to open the National Training School in 1909. The school was focused on providing African American girls with a quality education and preparing them for a life of service to their communities.

In addition to her work as an educator, Burroughs was a powerful religious leader. She was a prominent member of the National Baptist Convention, and often spoke out against the injustices faced by Black Americans.

Burroughs was also a passionate advocate for women’s rights. She was a leader in the National Association of Colored Women and was a strong proponent of suffrage. Burroughs believed that it was the right of all women, regardless of race, to have the right to vote. She was a powerful voice in the fight for women’s suffrage, and her work is still relevant today.

The legacy of Nannie Helen Burroughs is one of courage, strength, and determination. She was a tireless advocate for civil rights, education, and women’s rights, and her work has had a lasting impact on our society. Today, her legacy continues to inspire us to stand up for justice and equality, and to never give up in the fight for what is right.

--

Find more information about Burroughs and other historical leaders in the Black Women's Suffrage Movement, provided by the Digital Public Library of America (DPLA).