Fredericka Douglass Sprague Perry facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Fredericka Douglass Sprague Perry
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| Born | August 9, 1872 Rochester, New York
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| Died | October 23, 1943 (aged 71) Kansas City, Missouri
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| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Activist, Philanthropist |
| Spouse(s) | John Edward Perry |
| Relatives | Douglass family |
Fredericka Douglass Sprague Perry (born August 9, 1872 – died October 23, 1943) was an American woman who helped many people. She was known as a philanthropist (someone who gives money and time to help others) and an activist (someone who works for change). Fredericka Perry started the Colored Big Sister Home for Girls in 1934 in Kansas City, Missouri. She also worked with her husband, John E. Perry, to improve health care for African-American children.
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Growing Up and School
Fredericka Douglass Sprague was born in Rochester, New York, on August 9, 1872. Her mother was Rosetta Douglass. Her famous grandfather was Frederick Douglass, who fought for freedom. Fredericka was the fifth of seven children. She went to public school in Washington, D.C. Later, she studied at the Mechanics Institute in Rochester, New York. This school is now known as the Rochester Institute of Technology.
Helping Others and Her Career
In 1906, Fredericka moved to Jefferson City, Missouri. There, she taught home economics at Lincoln University. This subject teaches about managing a home and family life.
In 1912, she married Dr. John Edward Perry. He started the Wheatley-Provident Hospital. This was the first private hospital for Black people in Kansas City. Fredericka moved to Kansas City to work with her husband at the hospital.
Working with Women's Clubs
Fredericka became very active in the African-American women's clubs movement. She had worked with young people in court. She was worried about how young Black girls were treated. These girls were often sent to places for young criminals.
In 1923, she helped start the Missouri State Association of Colored Girls. This group was supported by older women's clubs. Kansas City was one of the first cities to have such a group for girls.
Starting the Big Sister Home
In 1934, Fredericka Perry founded the Colored Big Sister Home for Girls. She did this with help from the Kansas City Federation of Colored Women's Club. This home provided a safe place for girls.
Fredericka also led the National Association of Colored Girls. She wrote the words for the state song "Show Me." She also created the motto "Learning As We Climb" for the Missouri State Association of Colored Girls.
Other Important Work
Perry also helped create the Civic Protective Association in Kansas City. She was a trustee for the Frederick Douglass Memorial and Historical Association. This group helps take care of her grandfather's historic home. She was also a member of the John Brown Memorial Association.
Her Family Life
Fredericka married Dr. John Edward Perry in 1912. They had one son together. Fredericka Douglass Sprague Perry passed away on October 23, 1943. She died at the Wheatley-Provident Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri.
