Year: 1879

Where: Mattituck, NY

Who: Josephine Silone Yates

Born on November 15, 1859, in Mattituck, New York, Josephine Silone Yates was a trailblazer in education and civil rights. As the first Black woman to hold a full professorship at a U.S. college, Yates made history by becoming head of the Department of Natural Sciences at Lincoln University in Missouri. Her groundbreaking role in academia was just the beginning of her lifelong commitment to racial uplift and the empowerment of women, which she continued through her leadership of the National Association of Colored Women (NACW).

Yates' academic and advocacy work was centered on the advancement of both African Americans and women. As president of the NACW, she played a critical role in fostering racial pride and promoting women’s rights. Her vision emphasized the importance of holistic education that nurtured both intellectual and personal growth. In addition to her teaching, Yates worked tirelessly to provide opportunities for African Americans to gain education and social advancement, paving the way for future generations of Black women in academia and beyond.

Josephine Silone Yates’ legacy continues to resonate today, not only for her groundbreaking work in education but also for her leadership in the fight for racial and gender equality. Her contributions to the intellectual and social upliftment of Black women were transformative, helping to reshape the educational landscape and inspire future activists and scholars. Yates’ life work serves as a reminder of the power of education in shaping both individual lives and broader societal change.

Sources:

Websites:

• AWIS. (2021, April 20). Josephine Silone Yates was a science educator who was active in civil rights organizations. https://awis.org/historical-women/josephine-silone-yates/

• Jackson, E. (2007, April 19). Josephine Silone Yates (1852-1912). BlackPast.org. https://www.blackpast.org/african-american-history/yates-josephine-silone-1852-1912/