Henrietta Ray facts for kids

Henrietta Green Regulus Ray (1808–1836) was an important African-American activist in New York City. She worked hard to help women get a good education and become independent. She helped create an organization that provided clothes for students and led a society focused on women's learning.

Henrietta Green Regulus Ray: A Champion for Change

Henrietta Green Regulus Ray was born in 1808. She lived in New York City and became a strong voice for change. Her main goal was to help women learn and be independent. This was a very important idea during her time.

Helping Students in Need

Henrietta was a key person in starting the African Dorcas Association. This group had a very important job. They worked to give clothes to students who attended the African Free School. Many students needed help to get proper clothing for school. Henrietta became the secretary of this association in 1828. This meant she helped manage their records and organize their meetings.

Leading the Way for Women's Learning

Around 1834, Henrietta Green Regulus Ray took on another big role. She was chosen as the first president of the New York Female Literary Society. This society was created to help women gain "literary and scientific knowledge." This means they wanted to learn about books, writing, and science. It was a big step for women's education.

Her Family and Lasting Impact

In 1834, Henrietta married Rev. Charles B. Ray. He was also an important African-American leader. He worked to end slavery, a movement known as abolitionism. He also owned and edited a weekly newspaper called Colored American. Henrietta Green Regulus Ray passed away in 1836 from tuberculosis. Even though she died young, her work left a lasting impact. The poet Henrietta Cordelia Ray was named in her honor, carrying on her legacy.