Who is Nannie Helen?

Naiyonah Allen • June 23, 2021

Around 1880 Nannie Helen was born to a formerly enslaved couple living in Orange Virginia. When she was 4 years old her family moved to Washington DC, after her fathers death. She attended M street highschool in which she met some people who had a tremendous impact on her development. She was a good student and graduated with honors, but her race was the primary reason she was turned down for positions after graduating. She eventually found work in Pennsylvania at the Christian Banner, The National Baptist Conventions Paper. She was still turned down for positions as a teacher after receiving a high score from the city to be approved to teach. The rejection did not discourage her, instead she worked multiple jobs to support herself while still trying to pursue a career as a teacher. She gave a speech at the 1900 National Baptist Convention in Virginia, “How the Sisters Are Hindered from Helping.” This speech instantly gave her fame. The speech also led The National Baptist Convention to address the needs and concerns of its women, it also became a resource for educational training. This inspired her to accomplish her dream. She started her own school for women and girls called the Baptist Women’s Convention and National School for Women And girls. Overall she was a black educator, orator, religious leader, civil rights activist, feminist, and businesswoman in the United States.

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Explore SOJO's Digital Collections with Ease

April 17, 2024

Embark on a journey of discovery through the rich tapestry of African heritage with SOJO's newly launched digital collections portal, managed and supported by our dedicated Archivist, Aisha Abdul Rahman. With this innovative platform powered by Omeka, researchers, scholars, and enthusiasts can now access our digital archives from anywhere in the world.

Second Phase: New Expansion

By Naya Douglas • December 4, 2021

Black Friday: 5th Annual Shop

How did people justify slavery?

By Aniela Cobian • August 23, 2021

SLAVERY WAS JUSTIFIED BY FALSE NOTIONS

Whipped Peter

By Aniela Cobian • August 23, 2021

Whipped Peter

Redlining

By Aniela Cobian • July 23, 2021

Redlining was a government supported practice starting in the 1930’s. It remains the leading cause of today’s housing segregation. Lenders (loaners, homeowners, etc) would outline areas that were off limits for issuing loans in red ink, (hence the title, “redlining.”) These highlighted areas were filled with mostly, if not only, African American residents, leaving qualifying credit holders with far less financial opportunities than their white counterparts. Redlining made it nearly impossible for African Americans to become homeowners and build wealth.

Artist Highlight: Ongell

By Naya Douglas • July 18, 2021

"My vulnerability to darkness and the things that I’ve experienced in my life within these last few years have allowed me to really blossom in a way that I didn’t think would happen for me."

The next time you cook with a pastry fork/spatula remember that it was this 13 year old girl.

Anna M. Mangin

By Tia Bryant • June 10, 2021

Anna M. Mangin was an African American inventor.

Youth Roots Importance

By Naiyonah Allen • May 28, 2021

It is important for our youth to know their history and roots. Educating yourself about your history is not only important, it also helps you know your identity. The school districts in our communities do not teach students about black history, if black history is mentioned in schools they often talk about slavery, although that is apart of our history it is’nt the only part. We come from greatness. Our ancestors were doctors, inventors, activists, and much more. The first black doctor in the United States was James McCune Smith. He was born April 18th 1813, and died November 17th 1865. He was the first African American to hold a medical degree and graduated at the top of his class at the University of Glasgow in Scotland. He has impacted a lot of people, the college he attended, recently named one of there buildings after him. The black mind works in a lot of creative ways, African Americans are effortlessly talented. We have created multiple inventions, without our ancestors our life wouldn't be as easy as it is now. One of the great Black inventors was Garret Morgan, he invented the traffic light. Morgan also created a chemical hair- processing and straightening solution. His original intention was to create a liquid that prevented sewing machine needles from burning fabric. He accidentally discovered that the soultion can also be used for straightening hair. Lastly, he invented a smoke hood to protect firefighters from smoke. With that being said, know your history. There is so much to learn about black history. We have so much knowledge to offer here at the Sojourner Truth Multicultural Arts Museum.