Mary Ann Shadd Cary was an African American activist, writer, teacher, and lawyer. Born in Delaware in 1823, Mary Shadd Cary is the first black woman newspaper editor in North America. Shadd Cary lived in a safe house along the Underground Railroad until 1833, when she moved to Pennsylvania to a Quakers boarding school which is a school run by a Christian religious group.
In 1850, she moved to Canada for a chance for better opportunities. In 1851, Shadd Cary opened up a racially integrated school affordable for all to attend with access to financial aid. She constantly fought against segregation and in 1852 she published a pamphlet in which she encouraged American blacks to immigrate to Canada and attacked the growing philosophy of segregation in the community. Despite the widespread circulation of this pamphlet, Shadd wanted a better medium where she could continue to talk about her beliefs. In 1853, she created Canada's first-antislavery newspaper,
called the Provincial Freeman. This paper had weekly publications, focusing on encouraging black Americans to emigrate to Canada. She constantly advocated for aid for runaway slaves, at therisk of her own rights. She spent a year campaigning for funding for the paper and in 1854, she achieved the funding she desired. The paper continued to report about racial discrimination and segregation.
In 1856 in Toronto, she married Thomas F. Cary, who was involved with the paper. After 1865, the paper appeared sporadically until 1859, when the paper no longer had enough funds to continue.
When the Civil War broke out, Shadd Cary continued to teach in an interracial school in Chatham, but she soon believed her talents belonged in the fight. In 1863, she moved to Washington D.C., to work as a recruitment agent for the Union Army, and work as a teacher. Years later, she began studying Law at Howard University and in 1883 she was one of the first black women to fully complete a law degree. She died of stomach cancer in 1893.
She was a pioneer for African American women in journalism, education, and law, using her skills and platform to advocate for social justice and equality. Her newspaper, The Provincial Freeman, provided a voice for Black people in Canada, addressing issues such as slavery, segregation, and discrimination. Her advocacy work for suffrage and women's rights also made a significant impact on the fight for equality.
Mary Ann Shadd Cary's life is a testament to the resilience and determination of African American women during a time when they faced numerous obstacles and challenges. She refused to be silenced and used her talents and education to fight for justice and equality. Shadd Cary's work as a teacher, journalist, lawyer, and suffragist paved the way for future generations of Black women to pursue their dreams and make their mark on history.
Furthermore, Shadd Cary's life and work highlight the importance of education in achieving social and political progress. She believed that education was essential for empowering marginalized communities and promoting self-reliance. Her advocacy for education and her establishment of schools for Black children in Delaware and Canada were crucial in providing opportunities for African American students to learn and succeed.
In today's world, Mary Ann Shadd Cary's legacy continues to inspire people to fight for justice, equality, and education. Her courage, determination, and commitment to social justice serve as a model for all those who seek to make a positive impact on their communities and the world.
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Works Cited
Aboard the Underground Railroad--Mary Ann Shadd Cary House, https://www.nps.gov/nr/travel/underground/dc2.htm. Accessed 2 April 2023.
., Jason H. “Biography – SHADD, MARY ANN CAMBERTON – Volume XII (1891-1900) – Dictionary of Canadian Biography.” Dictionary of Canadian Biography, http://www.biographi.ca/en/bio/shadd_mary_ann_camberton_12E.html. \Accessed 2 April 2023.
Carter, Robert. “Canada's Great Women.” Canada's History, 8 January 2016, https://www.canadashistory.ca/explore/women/canada-s-great-women. Accessed 2 April 2023.
“Mary Ann Shadd Cary (U.S.” National Park Service, 8 July 2019, https://www.nps.gov/people/mary-ann-shadd-cary.htm. Accessed 2 April 2023.
Yarhi, Eli, and Samuel Ringgold Ward. “Mary Ann Shadd.” The Canadian Encyclopedia, 6 November 2013, https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/mary-ann-shadd. Accessed 2 April 2023.
“Meet Mary Ann Shadd Cary: The Woman Who Made a Difference in Canadian Publishing.” Robertson College, 17 February 2021, https://www.robertsoncollege.com/news/school-of-community-services/mary-ann-shadd-cary/. Accessed 2 April 2023.
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