On this date in July, Mary Church Terrell was a prominent African American activist who played a pivotal role in advancing civil rights and women’s suffrage. In 1896, she became the first president of the National Association of Colored Women (NACW), an organization formed through the merger of the Colored Women’s League and the National Federation of Afro-American Women. The NACW aimed to unify Black women’s clubs across the nation to address issues such as women’s suffrage, lynching, and Jim Crow laws. Under Terrell’s leadership, the association adopted the motto “Lifting as we climb,” reflecting its commitment to uplifting African American communities through education and advocacy.
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Terrell’s election as the first president of the NACW marked a significant milestone in the history of African American women’s activism, highlighting her dedication to social justice and equality.