Nora A. Gordon facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Nora A. Gordon
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| Born | August 25, 1866 |
| Died | January 26, 1901 (aged 34) |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Baptist missionary |
Nora A. Gordon was an amazing African American woman who lived from 1866 to 1901. She was a dedicated missionary and teacher. Nora traveled far from her home to help others.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Nora Antonia Gordon was born on August 25, 1866, in Columbus, Georgia. Her parents had been enslaved by Governor John B. Gordon. After slavery ended, they gained their freedom.
Nora went to a Christian missionary school in Cleveland, Ohio. After finishing there, she started seminary school in 1882. A seminary is a special school that trains people for religious work.
In 1888, Nora graduated from Spelman Seminary. This school later became the famous Spelman College.
A Missionary's Journey
Nora Gordon was the first graduate from Spelman to become a missionary in Africa. She was chosen from many people who wanted to go. She could have been a school teacher in Atlanta, but she chose to help people in Africa.
The Women's Baptist Foreign Missionary Society of the West sent her. On her way to Africa, Nora spent a year in a missionary school in London.
Teaching in Congo
Nora arrived at the Palabala mission in the Congo Free State. There, she worked with another missionary named Louise Celia Fleming. They taught students in a schoolhouse and in Sunday School.
In 1890, Nora moved to the Lukunga Mission Station. This was in West Central Africa. She started a new school there with Clara Ann Howard. Clara was a classmate from Spelman.
Nora was in charge of the afternoon school. She also managed the printing office.
Return to the United States
In 1893, Nora took a break from her work. She came back to the United States. She brought two young African women with her. They came to study at Spelman College.
Personal Life and Legacy
In 1895, while in the U.S., Nora married Reverend Simeon Cunningham Gordon. He was from Jamaica and had studied in London. At Spelman, Nora and Simeon helped with the "Congo Mission Circle." This group prepared students to serve in Africa.
Soon after their marriage, they returned to the Congo. They worked at Stanley Pool. However, political problems and Nora's poor health made their work difficult.
Nora had two children in the Congo, but sadly, both of them passed away. After her second child died, Nora returned to the United States in 1900. She was very ill.
Nora Gordon passed away in January 1901 at Spelman College.
Lasting Impact
Nora Gordon, along with other African American women like Louise Fleming and Clara Howard, made a big difference. Their work helped change the lives of African women and children. They left a lasting legacy of service and education.
