Grace Campbell facts for kids

Grace P. Campbell (1883 – 1943) was a very important African-American woman in New York history. She was the first African-American woman to run for a state office there. She was also the first African-American woman to join the Socialist Party and the Communist Party. She spent her life working to help others and fight for what she believed in.

Early Life

Grace P. Campbell was born in 1883 in Georgia. Her mother, Emma Dyson Campbell, was from Washington, D.C.. Her father, William Campbell, came from Jamaica. Her family lived in different places, including Texas and Washington, D.C. In 1905, Grace Campbell moved to New York City.

Working for the Community

When Grace Campbell arrived in New York, she quickly started helping her community. She worked as a supervisor at the Empire Friendly Shelter. This was a home that helped mothers who were not married. She even used some of her own money to start and support this organization.

Starting in 1915, Campbell also worked for New York City. She was the Chief Nurse in the Women's Sections of the Tombs Prison. Later, she became a probation officer, then a parole officer. By 1924, she was a court attendant for the Courts of Sessions.

Political Involvement

Around this time, Grace Campbell became very involved in politics. She joined the Socialist Party of America. She was one of the first members of a local branch of the party. She was also the first African-American woman to join the Socialist Party. Later, she became the first African-American woman member of the Communist Party.

In 1919 and 1920, she ran for office in the New York State Assembly. She ran as a Socialist candidate, but she did not win.

Continuing Her Activism

Grace Campbell stayed active in political groups. In 1918, she was the only woman in the 21st A.D. Socialist Club. She also worked as the club's secretary.

In 1920, she helped create the People's Educational Forum. This was a place where people could discuss important issues. In 1921, she left the Socialist Party. She helped start a group called the African Blood Brotherhood. She was the only woman who helped found this group. She was also the only woman on its main council.

Campbell also hosted meetings for African Americans with different political ideas. They would meet to talk about things they cared about. In 1920, she helped start the Harlem Community Church in Harlem, New York. Other activists like Richard B. Moore and Frank Crosswaith were also involved. This group later changed its name to Harlem Unitarian.

In the 1920s, she joined the Communist Workers' Party. She worked as an organizer there. Her activities were watched by the government. Grace Campbell continued her work in politics and public service until she passed away in 1943 at age 60.

Running for State Assembly

Grace Campbell ran for the New York State Assembly's 19th District. She was a candidate for the Socialist party. Important leaders like Chandler Owen and A. Philip Randolph supported her.

She ran in both 1919 and 1920. Even though she did not win, her efforts were very important. She received about 10% of the votes, nearly 2,000 votes. This was more than any other black Socialist party candidate at the time, including Randolph and Owen. Grace Campbell was the first African-American woman to run for public office in New York State. This made her a true pioneer.