Speaking, Leading, and Coordinating within the Church: Public Spaces for Black Women
The church served as a starting point for black women’s entrance into the public sphere of influence. In black churches, women members often served in vital but invisible roles outside of the church’s official leadership. The women in these positions created and implemented plans, coordinated with others, and, most importantly, spoke publicly.
Mary Church Terrell, the Pioneer
The role traditionally given to black women was that of the supporter of their husbands who were to improve the situation and standing of black Americans. However, figures like Mary Church Terrell proved that women actively contribute to civil rights activism and what was known at the time as “racial uplift.” Her intelligence was apparent from a young age. She later graduated from Oberlin College, becoming one of the first African American women to obtain a master’s degree. She articulated her perspective as a black woman, facing both racial and gender subordination, in support of civil rights and women’s suffrage. As a pioneer in the realm of black women’s public speaking, she demonstrated that women did not have to remain silent and could speak for themselves with her orations.
White collected a piece of promotional material that presented Terrell’s accomplishments and praise from prominent figures across the United States. The sources cited praised her control of language at the 1904 International Congress of Women. Others described her powerful delivery, charisma, and logical arguments. Although her management created the document to simply promote her name, it highlights the unusualness of her skills at the time and the attention it brought. While she was paving the way forward for black women seeking to present their ideas and perspectives publicly, Terrell also argued for women’s equal standing within the leadership and official offices of black churches. While not every woman could gain the credentials to speak at large conventions, the church was much more accessible. As an extension of the public square, the church often served as the cornerstone of organized and mutual aid in black communities. Women already contributed greatly to the church’s functions in the community, and, with the ability to speak, they could work to make their efforts and accomplishments visible.