Mary Ingraham facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mary Ingraham
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|---|---|
Bahamas postage stamp,
issued October 10, 2012 |
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| Born |
Mary Naomi Mason
June 30, 1901 |
| Died | March 26, 1982 (aged 80) |
| Nationality | The Bahamas |
| Occupation | Suffragist |
| Spouse(s) | Rufus Harcourt Ingraham |
Mary "May" Ingraham (born June 30, 1901 – died March 26, 1982) was a very important woman from The Bahamas. She was a suffragist, which means she worked hard to get women the right to vote. She is famous for starting the Bahamas Women's Suffrage Movement.
Fighting for Women's Rights
Mary Ingraham believed that women should have the same rights as men, especially the right to vote. She helped create the Women's Suffrage Movement in the Bahamas. She worked alongside other brave women like Georgianna Symonette, Eugenia Lockhart, and Mabel Walker.
Their hard work paid off! In 1962, women in the Bahamas finally gained the right to vote. They could also run for elected positions in the government. A few years later, in 1967, black women worked together to form a strong voting group. This helped the Progressive Liberal Party win, which led to "Majority Rule." This meant that the majority of the population, who were black, gained more political power.
Honoring Mary Ingraham
Mary Ingraham's important work is still remembered today. A special place in Nassau is named after her: the Mary Ingraham Intergenerational Care Centre. This centre helps people of all ages.
The Bahamas Post Office also honored her. On October 10, 2012, they released special postage stamps to celebrate the 50th anniversary of women getting the right to vote. One of these stamps featured a picture of Mary Ingraham. Other stamps in the collection showed portraits of other amazing women who helped women's suffrage in the Bahamas.
Mary Ingraham's Family
Mary Ingraham was born in Nassau, Bahamas. Her parents were Ellis Hartman Mason and Alice Leanora Bartlett. In 1919, she married Rufus Harcourt Ingraham.
Mary also had three brothers who were talented musicians in the United States:
- Norman Mason (1895–1971) was a clarinet player and bandleader.
- Oliver Welock Mason (born around 1900; died 1961) played the trumpet.
- Henry Morris Mason (born 1906) was also a trumpet player. He recorded music with many famous artists.
