Black-and-white photograph of a group of dozens of Black women and three men, seated and standing around an oval table beneath a small chandelier and all looking toward the camera

Woodard’s Studio (Chicago), photographer
Mary McLeod Bethune (1875–1955), Ida B. Wells-Barnett (1862–1931), Nannie Burroughs (1879–1961), and others at Baptist women’s gathering, Chicago
Gelatin silver print, ca. 1930
Mary McLeod Bethune Portrait Collection, Photographs and Prints Division, Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture

Mary McLeod Bethune (1875–1955), Ida B. Wells-Barnett (1862–1931), Nannie Burroughs (1879–1961), and others at Baptist women’s gathering, Chicago

This photograph of a Baptist women’s group assembled in Chicago offers a rare view of prominent African American women activists working together. Educator Mary McLeod Bethune, journalist Ida B. Wells-Barnett, and religious leader Nannie Burroughs were influential African Americans who strongly advocated for civil rights equality and the empowerment of Black women. As leaders in organizing Black women’s clubs during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, they sought to improve lives by addressing issues such as health care, educational opportunities, women’s suffrage, and racism.

: Mary McLeod Bethune Portrait Collection, Photographs and Prints Division, Schom…

: View record

: View record

Not currently on view

The copyright and related rights status of this item has been reviewed by The New York Public Library, but we were unable to make a conclusive determination as to the copyright status of the item. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use.

Items in Fortitude

View All Items in This Section