Gertrude Wright Morgan facts for kids
Gertrude Wright Morgan was an important American activist. She fought for women's right to vote, also known as women's suffrage. She also worked hard for civil rights for all people. Gertrude was a key person in starting two big groups: the NAACP and the Niagara Movement. She made history as the first African American student to enroll and graduate from high school in Springfield, Illinois. Many believe she was also the first to graduate high school in the entire state of Illinois.
Early Life and Education
Gertrude Wright Morgan was born in 1861 in Springfield, Illinois. Her parents were Thomas Wright and Sarah Fortune Wright. Her father had been enslaved, but he managed to buy his freedom and the freedom of Gertrude's brother.
In 1874, Gertrude enrolled at Springfield High School. She was the first African American student to attend this school. At that time, it was the only high school in Springfield. Schools in Springfield had only recently stopped being segregated, which meant Black and white students were kept separate. Because of this, Gertrude was often "shunned" or avoided by other white students. Despite these challenges, she graduated in 1877. She was third in her class of 28 students. For her graduation, she presented an essay called "Unknown Heroes."
Becoming a Teacher and Activist
After graduating, Gertrude wanted to become a teacher in Springfield. However, African Americans were not allowed to hold teaching jobs there. So, she moved to St. Louis, Missouri. There, she taught at Charles Sumner High School, which was a school for Black students.
While working at the school, she met Clement Morgan. He also taught there. Later, Clement moved to Cambridge, Massachusetts, but then returned to St. Louis. Gertrude and Clement married in 1897. After their marriage, they both moved to Cambridge. In Cambridge, they continued their important work as civil rights activists.
Gertrude Wright Morgan passed away in 1931. This was two years after her husband, Clement, had died.
