Mary E. Bibb

Mary Elizabeth Bibb (1820–1877) was an American-born educator and abolitionist leader. She is considered by some to be the first female black journalist in Canada.^[1][2]

Biography[]

The daughter of free black Quaker parents, she was born Mary Elizabeth Bibb in Rhode Island around 1820.^[3] She studied at the Massachusetts State Normal School in Lexington (today Framingham State University), graduating in 1843.^[3] The principal of that school was Samuel Joseph May, who supported women's rights and education for black people.^[1] She was one of the first black woman teachers in North America and taught in schools in Boston, Albany, New York, and Cincinnati. She became involved in anti-slavery activities and, in 1847, met Henry Bibb, an escaped slave and abolitionist.^[2] She became Bibb's second wife in June the following year.^[4] She had no kids.

After the Fugitive Slave Act was passed in 1850, the Bibbs moved to Canada West, settling first in Sandwich and then in Windsor. The couple frequently took fugitives into their home who had arrived in Windsor via the Underground Railroad. In 1851, they began publishing a newspaper called Voice of the Fugitive, the first major newspaper targeted at black Canadians. Mary and Henry Bibb were also part of the leadership of the Refugee Home Society, which helped former slaves settle in Canada, providing them with land and building schools and churches. Mary also taught school, educating both children and adults.^[2] In 1851, the Bibbs organized a North American Convention in Toronto on how free black Americans and Canadians should respond to the Fugitive Slave Act. On October 9, 1853, the office of the Voice of the Fugitive newspaper was mysteriously burned to the ground. Mary and Henry tried to revive it, but Henry died suddenly in the summer of 1854 at the age of 39.^[4][5]

Sometime after 1855, Bibb married Isaac N. Cary. She operated a store in Windsor from 1865 until 1871.^[1] After Cary's death, she returned to the US, to Brooklyn, New York, where she died in 1877.^[4]

Early life[]

Mary Elizabeth Miles was born in Rhode Island in 1820. She was born a free black slave because both of her parents were free.^[6]

During 1842, Mary attended Massachusetts State Normal School to complete her teaching degree. While a student, she was highly influenced by Samuel J May and encouraged her to join the anti-slave movement.^[6]

After completing her degree, she taught in schools in Boston, MA; Albany, NY and Cincinnati, OH. During this time she met many escaped slaves who told their stories about life in the south.^[6]

Career[]

In 1848, the Fugitive Slave Act was passed. The act allowed escaped slaves who resided in the north to be returned to their masters from the south. Mary and her husband became involved in the Underground Railroad. During this time, her husband would escort the slaves into Canada and Marie would act as a placement office and offer their home as a safe haven.

In January 1851, Mary and Henry founded the newspaper called The Voice of the Fugitive. The purpose of the newspaper was to communicate with Underground Railroad supporters and with the general public. This newspaper was largely written by Mary. She would write articles and share interviews with newly arrived fugitives in Canada. She was often noted for giving the newspaper a polished editorial style.^[6] Multiple publishing helped financially with gaining subscribers so Bibb could continue publishing. The Voice of the Fugitive is the first anti-slavery paper to published in Canada was written by African Americans.^[7] In 1853, the Voice of the Fugitive discontinued because the office was caught on fire and was destroyed. In the late 1950s, Mary successfully opened up a school Mary later open a second school. She was also and a founding member of the Anti Slavery Society of Windsor.^[6]

Personal life[]

While a teacher, Mary met Henry Bibb, an escaped slave. They married in June 1848.^[6] When Henry died, Mary later married Isaac N. Cary. They had one child together.^[6]

Death[]

For the remainder of Bibb's life, she continued running her school and started her own business selling women’s accessories and apparel. In the year 1871, Mary decided to live in Brooklyn, New York and died there in 1877.^[7]

Legacy[]

In 2005, Mary and Henry Bibb were declared Persons of National Historic Significance by the Government of Canada.^[8]

In 2021, Sandwich Town park, previously named Mackenzie Hall park is now Mary E. Bibb Park in celebration of Black History Month in Windsor, Ontario^[7]

References[]