MARY ANN SHADD CARY: Abolitionist, lawyer, teacher, publisher

The opening of Mary’s school in Windsor was strongly opposed by Henry Bibb, an established black leader of the day. He openly attacked Mary and her school in his newspaper, “Voice of the Fugitive.” In retaliation, Mary founded her own weekly newspaper, “The Provincial Freeman.” The newspaper was aimed at the black community and especially fugitive slaves.

“The Provincial Freeman” became very popular. Mary traveled to the United States to gather information for her editorials. She felt it was necessary to keep blacks still living in the United States informed of what was happening in Canada. Anti-abolitionists had circulated rumors that Canada’s black community was starving in order to discourage more African Americans from crossing the border. Mary’s other goal was to allow white communities to become aware of noble deeds of the colored American.

Mary was a very outspoken person and soon began to make public appearances. She became known for her quick wit and was given the nickname “The Rebel,” for her abolitionist views.

With the founding of “The Provincial Freeman,” Mary became the first black woman to establish and edit a newspaper in North America. She believed that segregated communities, schools, churches and newspapers would greatly affect the freedom of her people. She used the “Freeman” to oppose segregation of any form.

In 1853, Mary met and married Thomas Cary of Toronto, Ontario. They had two children, though Thomas died before the second was born. Mary supported herself and her children by writing articles for newspapers and by providing printing services to the City of Chatham.

When President Lincoln called for recruitment of blacks to fight for the Union Army during the Civil War, Mary returned to the United States. On August 15, 1863, she was appointed as a recruiting officer. Her job was to enlist black volunteers from the State of Indiana.

After the Civil War Mary moved to Washington D.C. where she enrolled at Howard University. She specialized in law and graduated as a lawyer. She hung out her shingle at age 60. Mary was the second black woman to earn a law degree in the United States.

Mary left behind a great legacy in writing, publishing, education and law. She followed her dream to integrate black and white communities. Though her dream was never realized in her lifetime, Mary’s efforts and hard work encouraged other blacks to fight for integration and to follow their dreams. Her motto: “Self reliance is

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