“Who was Mary Ann Shadd Cary?” That’s the question this statue encourages us to ask. The Mary Ann Shadd Cary Statue stands as a testament to an extraordinary life. It honors a woman who defied expectations. She challenged norms and fought tirelessly for justice.
Mary Ann Shadd Cary was a true trailblazer. She was an abolitionist, a journalist and a publisher. She was also a teacher, a suffragist and a lawyer. Her statue serves as a reminder of her lasting impact.
Born free in Delaware in 1823, Mary Ann Shadd Cary’s parents instilled in her a passion for equality. They were active in the Underground Railroad. They risked their own safety to help enslaved people escape to freedom.
In 1850, the Fugitive Slave Act threatened the safety of free Black people in the United States. Mary Ann Shadd Cary and her family emigrated to Canada. They settled in Windsor. There, she established an integrated school. She also wrote a pamphlet promoting Canada as a haven for Black immigrants.
But Mary Ann Shadd Cary’s most remarkable achievement was the Provincial Freeman. In 1853, she launched this anti-slavery newspaper in Windsor. She became the first Black woman in North America to edit and publish a newspaper. The Provincial Freeman became a powerful voice for abolition and equality. It had a significant impact on both the abolitionist movement and the Black community.
The statue captures Mary Ann Shadd Cary’s determination and strength. It was created by artist Donna Mayne. The statue depicts her stepping forward. Her skirt is pushed back by the wind symbolizing the forces of discrimination she fought. She holds a copy of the Provincial Freeman close to her heart.
After eleven years in Canada, Mary Ann Shadd Cary returned to the United States. She helped recruit soldiers for the Union Army during the Civil War. After the war, she settled in Washington D.C. She became a teacher and enrolled in Howard University Law School. In 1883, she became the second Black woman in the US to earn a law degree.
Mary Ann Shadd Cary dedicated her life to fighting for the rights of others. She was active in the women’s suffrage movement. She founded the Colored Women’s Progressive Franchise Association. She advocated for equal rights for all Black Americans.
As you stand before the Mary Ann Shadd Cary Statue consider her remarkable legacy. She challenged injustice. She empowered her community and paved the way for future generations. Her story reminds us that one person can make a difference. Her fight for equality continues to inspire us today. Let us remember her words and her actions. Let us strive to create a more just and equitable world for all.