Fannie M. Richards facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Fannie M. Richards
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| Born | October 1, 1840 Fredericksburg, Virginia
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| Died | February 13, 1922 (aged 81) |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Educator |
Fannie M. Richards (born October 1, 1840 – died February 13, 1922) was an important American teacher. She is famous for starting Michigan's very first kindergarten class. She was also recognized for her work by being added to the Michigan Women's Hall of Fame. Fannie Richards bravely spoke out against schools being separated by race in Detroit Public Schools.
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Early Life and Education
Fannie M. Richards was born on October 1, 1840, in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Her parents were Aldoph and Maria Richards. She soon moved to Toronto, Canada. Fannie studied there and also in Germany. While in Germany, she worked with a famous teacher named Friedrich Fröbel. He was known for creating the idea of kindergarten.
Teaching in Detroit
After her studies, Fannie moved to Detroit, Michigan. Even without the usual teaching license, she was allowed to teach there. In 1863, she opened her own private school. This school was specifically for African-American children. Five years later, she became an instructor at a public school. It was called Colored School Number 2.
Fighting for Equal Schools
Fannie Richards worked with John J. Bagley to fight for fairness. They protested against the school system in Detroit. At that time, schools were "segregated." This meant Black and white students had to go to separate schools. The Michigan Supreme Court eventually agreed with them. In 1871, the court ordered an end to segregated schools.
Michigan's First Kindergarten
In 1871, Fannie Richards started working at Everett Elementary School. There, she created Michigan's very first kindergarten class. Kindergarten is a special class for young children. It helps them learn through play and activities. This was a big step forward for education in Michigan.
Later Life and Legacy
Fannie Richards also helped her community in other ways. She founded the Phyllis Wheatly Home. This home provided a safe place for older African-American women in Detroit. She also helped start the Michigan Association of Colored Women. This group worked to improve the lives of Black women. Fannie Richards retired from teaching in 1915. She passed away on February 13, 1922.
Honoring Fannie Richards
Fannie Richards' home was recognized as a historic site. It was added to the State of Michigan Registry of Historic Sites in 1974. A painting of Fannie M. Richards was also created. It was done by Detroit artist Telitha Cumi Bowens. This portrait was part of a special exhibit in 1988-89. The exhibit was called "Ain't I A Woman." It was shown at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History in Detroit. The exhibit honored important Black women from Michigan.
