“And so, lifting as we climb, onward and upward we go, struggling and striving, and hoping that the buds and blossoms of our desires will burst into glorious fruition ere long.” Mary Church Terrell
Mary Church Tercel was an African American activist who helped to establish the National Association of Colored Women (NACW) in 1896. Below is an excerpt from National Women History Museum’s article describing her work. You can read the full article [here].
Terrell’s life work focused on the notion of racial uplift, the belief that blacks would help end racial discrimination by advancing themselves and other members of the race through education, work, and community activism. It was a strategy based on the power of equal opportunities to advance the race and her belief that as one succeeds, the whole race would be elevated.
By Debra Michael, PhD, National Women History Museum
Not everyday you hear Mary Church Terrell being mention among the African American activists. Her work helped move humanity forward. Unfortunately, the wheels of justice turns ever so slowly and we haven’t come close to realizing her dream.
In the era of the Me Too movement (#MeToo Movement), gender inequality, income inequality, xenophobia, and institutional racism, it is clear that our society has some persistent problems. Progress has been made; but we always find a way to marginalize people.
Moving a whole society towards a solution is slow and difficult. But as individuals, we have the power to elevate others. As we climb the social economical ladder, we can lift those around us.
The top can be a lonely place – but it does not have to be. There is enough room at the top for most us. We all benefit when the whole society improves. It is not a zero-sum game.
Whether it is through philanthropy, mentorship, or the simple act of respecting others, we have the power to lift as we climb.
Thank you for reading.
