"OUR RICH BLACK HERITAGE" : FANNIE JACKSON COPPIN

Today, when people hear someone talk about the Old Negro Leagues, they usually assume that the person is talking about the Old Negro Baseball League. However, in this week's article when I mention the Old Negro Leagues, I am referring to the "Old Negro Business Leagues," and not The Negro Baseball League. Of course, the most popular and famous one was the National Negro Business League that was founded on August 23,1900 by Booker T. Washington, and was incorporated in Boston Massachusetts.The mission and main goal of the National Negro Business League was "to promote the commercial and financial development of the Negro." At the height of it's existence, there were over "600" Chapters of The National Negro Business League throughout the United States! In 1966, the National Negro Business League was reincorporated in Washington, D.C. and renamed the National Business League. The National Business League still exists today, and has over 100,000 members nationwide and manages local chapters throughout all 50 states and Internationally. Next, there was The Negro Housewives League.The organization was established "to encourage Negro housewives to participate in patronizing Negro-Owned Businesses." Although, Chapters of the Organization weren't officially recognized by the government until the 1930s, The Negro Housewives League played a big role in the economic growth of Black Communities all over America! Of course, these were just two of the Old Negro Business League Organizations that helped paved the way for the "Black Wall-Streets" of the past, present, and the future! Ok, let's get to this week's Black Pioneer. Fannie Jackson Coppin was born in Washington D.C. on October 15, 1837.Fortunately for Fannie, when she turned 12, her Aunt was able to buy her freedom for $125.00.However, she still ended up having to work, instead of going to school.To make up for having to work, Fannie would use money from her earnings to hire a tutor to teach her the basic school courses. Subsequently, her tutoring paid off when she was awarded a scholarship from an African -Methodist Church.Additionally, her Aunt was able to help provide her with financial support as well! In 1860, Fannie was able to enroll in Oberlin College in Ohio.The highlight of her Junior year was when she was selected to teach "Junior Classes" at Oberlin. In 1865, Fannie graduated and received her Bachelor's Degree in Mathematics and Foreign Languages. Among her many accomplishments were : Serving as one of the first Vice-presidents of The National Association of Colored Women ; being hired right after graduating to teach in Philadelphia at the Institute for Colored Youth in 1865 ; her appointment as school principal of IFCY in 1869 ; and when she was promoted to Superintendent of the school, becoming the school's first Negro Superintendent.Throughout her "37 years" at the Institute, Fannie proved that a Colored Woman was fully capable of teaching as well as any White teacher! Part of the Legacy that Fannie Jackson Coppin left behind when she died on January 21, 1913 included a school In Baltimore, Maryland being name after her in 1926, and in 2021 an elementary school in South Philadelphia was renamed in her honor.