Photo Courtesy of Vintage Black Glamour

We know how much you love our vintage black beauties. But up until now we’ve done models, actresses or singers. Well, today we’ve decided to spice it up with a woman who never appeared on Broadway or sang in front of packed crowds–unless it was a congregation. Today’s profile is an educator, orator, author and businesswoman.

Nannie Helen Burroughs was born to ex-slaves John and Jennie Burroughs in 1879 in Orange, Virginia. Jennie, her mother,  worked as a cook while her father was a traveling Baptist preacher. Education was a priority for Nannie’s parents from an early age. Nannie’s father died when she was five years old,  but her mother, determined to provide the best opportunities for her young daughter, relocated to Washington D.C. to pursue a better education. As a high school student Nannie studied business and domestic science before graduating with honors in 1896.

Right after graduation Nannie got right to work. In the same year she graduated high school she was instrumental in establishing the National Association of Colored Women. After that she began working as an associate editor for the Christian Banner, a Philadelphia-based newspaper.

Nannie holding a banner at the National Baptist Convention. (Library of Congress)

In 1900 she earned a name for herself, nationally, with a speech entitled “How the Sisters Are Hindered from Helping” at the National Baptist Convention.

Nearly ten years later she founded the National Training School for Women and Girls  in D.C. in 1909. The Christian school focused on preparing its female students for the workforce, a service that was greatly needed during this time period. The school’s curriculum offered classes in domestic work, clerical occupations and careers that weren’t typical for women like repairing shoes, barbering and gardening. Nannie established a creed for the school which she referred to as the “three B’s-the Bible, the Bath and Broom: clean life, clean body and clean house.” The school also offered courses in Black history that every student was required to take.

Nannie, who was later awarded and honorary doctorate, dedicated her life to the school believing that it was her God-ordained mission. “I had God’s hill which He had given me for the Negro women of America. I felt like I think Abraham must have felt when God told him ‘In thee shall all the people of the earth be blessed…”

In addition to her duties at the school in 1931 she served as the chairwoman for a committee regarding Negro Housing during President Hoover’s administration.

In 1954, she invited a young Martin Luther King Jr. to speak to the Women’s Auxiliary of the National Baptist Convention. She continued her support of King as he achieved greater notoriety within the country.

Nannie continued to serve as the president of the National Training School until she died in 1961. In 1964 the name of school was changed to the Nannie Helen Burroughs School, Inc. in her honor.

Sourc: Vintage Black Glamour 

Source: Nannie Helen Burroughs School, Inc.  

Source: The Martin Luther King, Jr. Research and Education Institute

Hands down, sangria is the one of the best summer drinks. The Spaniards really knew what they were doing when they soaked fruits in wine to create a refreshing, but light beverage. And although you may not be Spanish, speak a word of the language, or have time to take a trip out east sangria is the perfect accessory to a summer barbecue or beach day.

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