Mary E. Jackson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mary Elizabeth Jackson
|
|
---|---|
![]() |
|
Born | 1867 Providence, Rhode Island, U.S.
|
Died | 1923 (aged 55–56) |
Nationality | American |
Known for | Activism with the African-American women's suffrage movement |
Mary Elizabeth Jackson (born 1867, died 1923) was an important American woman. She was an activist who worked for the rights of African-American women. She helped lead the movement for women's right to vote, also known as the suffrage movement.
Mary Elizabeth Jackson was also a leader in the YWCA (Young Women's Christian Association). She was a writer too, sharing her ideas and experiences. She worked with groups like the Northeast Federation of Colored Women's Club. She also led efforts for voting rights with the National Association of Colored Women.
Early Life and Activism
Mary Elizabeth Jackson was born in 1867 in Providence, Rhode Island. Her parents were Henry and Amelia Jackson. She was a member of the Pond Street Baptist Church.
She also helped start the Providence chapter of the NAACP. The NAACP is a group that works for equal rights for all people.
Working for Change
Mary Elizabeth Jackson worked for the government in Rhode Island. She was a civil service employee in the Labor Department. This means she worked to help people with their jobs and working conditions.
In 1917, during World War I, she got a special job. She was called a "Special Industrial Worker among Colored Women." This role was part of the National War Work Council of the YMCA. Her job was to study how women of color were employed. She also suggested ways to make sure they had fair job opportunities.
Jackson was a strong leader in women's clubs. She was president of the Rhode Island State Federation of Colored Women's Club for eight years. This group was also known as the Rhode Island Association of Colored Women's Clubs. She also served as the first vice president of the Alpha Suffrage Club. This club worked specifically for women's right to vote.
Mary Jackson's Writings
Mary Elizabeth Jackson was also a writer. She wrote for "The Crisis" magazine in November 1918. This magazine was published by the NAACP. Her article was called "The Colored Woman in Industry."
In her article, she wrote about the working conditions for women in factories. She hoped for a better future for African-American women in different industries. She also wrote about unfair wages between different races. She discussed how women were paid less than men for the same work. She also highlighted the unfair treatment and poor working conditions that many faced.