Mary McHenry facts for kids

Mary Williamson McHenry (born January 23, 1933 – died March 1, 2021) was an important professor. She taught English at Mount Holyoke College. Many people say she helped bring African-American literature to the college. She was a very respected teacher.

McHenry also helped her student, Suzan-Lori Parks, meet famous writer James Baldwin. Suzan-Lori Parks later won a special award called the Pulitzer Prize. She always said Mary McHenry helped her become successful.

Early Life and Education

Mary Elizabeth Williamson Murphy was born in Washington, DC. Her father, Alphonso Williamson, worked at the Library of Congress. Her mother, Elizabeth Bennett Williamson, was a teacher.

Mary went to Oakwood Friends School in Poughkeepsie, New York. She graduated from there in 1950. After high school, she studied English literature. She earned her bachelor's degree from Mount Holyoke College in 1954. Later, she received her master's degree from Columbia University in 1960. She also did more studies at George Washington University.

Mary McHenry was married twice. She had a son from her first marriage. With her second husband, Donald F. McHenry, she had two daughters. One of her daughters, Elizabeth McHenry, is also a professor of English.

Teaching Career and Impact

Mary McHenry had a long and successful teaching career. She taught at several universities. From 1960 to 1963, she taught at Howard University. Then she taught at George Washington University from 1964 to 1969. She also taught at Federal City College.

In 1974, McHenry returned to Mount Holyoke College. This was the same college where she had been a student. She taught there until she retired in 1998. She was also part of the American Studies and African-American Studies departments.

Bringing African-American Literature to College

Mary McHenry made a big difference at Mount Holyoke College. She helped start the study of African-American literature there. When she was a student in the 1950s, only a few African-American women attended the college.

When she came back as a professor in 1974, things had changed. There were many more African-American students. Her work helped make sure that students could learn about important African-American writers.

Honors and Recognition

Mary McHenry received praise for her work. In 2001, her daughter Elizabeth gave a special lecture. It was called "Forgotten Readers." This lecture honored her mother's work. It talked about African-American reading groups from the past.

Some of Mary McHenry's personal papers were also shown at Mount Holyoke College. These documents covered her life from 1933 to 1996. They included letters, writings, and yearbooks. These papers showed her journey from childhood to her time as a professor.

Inspiring Students

Mary McHenry inspired many students. Her teaching helped many students love literature. One of her students, Michelle L. Taylor, became an English professor. Michelle said that Mary McHenry made her want to teach. She also helped Michelle get interested in African-American literature.

Another famous student was Suzan-Lori Parks. She is a Pulitzer Prize-winning writer. Suzan-Lori Parks called Mary McHenry her favorite English teacher. McHenry even encouraged Parks to share her early writings with the famous author James Baldwin.

Mary McHenry passed away on March 1, 2021, at her home in Washington, DC.