Musette Brooks Gregory facts for kids

Musette Brooks Gregory (October 10, 1876 – July 26, 1921) was an important African-American woman. She worked hard for women's right to vote, which made her a "suffragist." She also fought for equal rights for all people, making her a "civil rights activist."

About Musette Brooks Gregory

Early Life and Education

Musette Brooks Gregory was born on October 10, 1876. Her parents were Eugene and Oceanna Everett Brooks. The family lived in Washington, D.C.. Musette went to public schools there.

While living in Washington, D.C., Musette worked as a clerk for a principal. She also supervised first-year work for public schools in the 13th District. Being a clerk helped her learn about teaching. Later, she became a teacher herself.

Community Work

Musette Gregory was very involved in helping her community. She held important roles at the Music School Settlement in New York. She was also on the board of the Old Folks’ Home in Newark. She was a member and a past president of the Phyllis Wheatley Literary Society of Newark. This group focused on literature and learning.

On June 23, 1904, Musette married Eugene Monroe Gregory. He was a graduate of Harvard University. While Musette was teaching, Eugene studied law at Columbian University. Today, this school is known as George Washington University. The couple first lived in Trenton. In 1910, they moved to Newark. They did not have any children.

Later Life and Legacy

Musette Gregory passed away on July 26, 1921, in New York. She had achieved a lot in civil rights and suffrage. Because of her important work, the Federation of Colored Women’s Clubs created a scholarship named after her. This scholarship helps other people continue their education.

Fighting for Women's Right to Vote

Musette Gregory worked with many women's groups. She was especially active in New Jersey. She also helped social service groups in New York.

In 1919, she went to a meeting in New Jersey. There, she was chosen for the executive committee of the New Jersey Suffrage Ratification Committee. This committee had a clear goal. They wanted to help elect men who supported the 19th Amendment. This amendment would give women the right to vote. They hoped these men would be in office to help get more voters.

The New Jersey Suffrage Ratification Committee worked with other groups. These included the New Jersey Suffrage Association and the State Federation of Women’s Club. They also partnered with the State Federation of Colored Women’s Club. Musette Gregory was also the superintendent of the Working Girls’ Home in New York.

New Jersey Women's Suffrage Group leaving headquarters for the White House.

Working for Civil Rights

Civil rights were very important to Musette Gregory. She became the secretary and chairman of the executive board for the New Jersey Foundation of Colored Women’s Clubs. This is the oldest African-American organization of its kind. It works to help black women.

One of Gregory's main projects was with the Colored Mission of the Diocesan Auxiliary of the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York. She became the superintendent there. Through this mission, she worked at the Home for the Working Girls. This home was located at 132 West 131st Street in New York City. She helped protect young African-American working-class girls. They also offered counseling to the girls.

Gregory was also very involved with the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). She became the Vice President of the Newark Branch of the NAACP. This group works to ensure equal rights for all people.

The Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York City.

Death

Musette Gregory died in 1921 on July 26. She had been ill for a long time. News of her death was published in newspapers like The Crisis and the Newark Evening News.