A Liberated Mind

Medium:

Acrylic and Mixed Media on Canvas

Price:

NFS

| on loan from

LS3P

Dimensions:

60

x

48

Year

2021

Mary Washington Howe
Mary Washington Howe

Mary Washington Howe

1852
1900

Educator

Longtime Wilmington educator Mary Washington Howe worked at Williston Grammar School starting in 1874 and spent 22 years as the principal. She was the first woman to lead a school in Wilmington. Her father, respected freedman Alfred Augustus Howe, was a builder who sent her to study at the Institute for Colored Youth in Philadelphia.

Howe laid the foundation for future Black educators in Wilmington and at Williston. An elementary school was named in her honor in 1963.

Of note: Mary Washington Howe was part of the 1893 Emancipation Proclamation celebrations in Wilmington. This was the first time women were included in the ceremonies and she read the proclamation in front of a crowd.


CONTINUATIONS:

  • Wilmington Star News
  • “Strength through Struggle,” William M. Reaves

VIDEO

Interview with

Cynthia Brown

Descendant of Alfred Augustus Howe, Mary Washington Howe’s father

Cynthia Brown, a descendant of Alfred Augustus Howe, the father of Wilmington, N.C. educator Mary Washington Howe discusses Mary Washington Howe’s legacy and what she meant for future generations of educators in the Port City. Howe’s portrait was painted by artist Sloane Siobhan. Video by William Paul Thomas.

Watch

VIDEO

Interview with

Cynthia Brown

Descendant of Alfred Augustus Howe, Mary Washington Howe’s father

Cynthia Brown, a descendant of Alfred Augustus Howe, the father of Wilmington, N.C. educator Mary Washington Howe discusses Mary Washington Howe’s legacy and what she meant for future generations of educators in the Port City. Howe’s portrait was painted by artist Sloane Siobhan. Video by William Paul Thomas.