Date of Award
2024
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
Department
History
First Advisor
Ansley Quiros
Second Advisor
Frances Turnbell
Third Advisor
Lynne Rieff
Abstract
This thesis seeks to explore how the Black elite impacted their spheres of influence in terms of education and civil rights activism. Were they trying to first and foremost retain their elite status in relation to the “black masses” or was their more nuance to their views? This work provides a detailed introduction to the Black elite and focuses on three representative historical figures, their families and inner circles: Blanche Kelso Bruce (1841- 1898), Daniel Alexander Payne Murray (1852- 1925), and Mary Church Terrell (1863- 1954). They were all born in different locations but exercised significant influence in Washington D.C. Black elite circles. Despite the exclusivity of their social lives, they were leaders in the educational development of the race and activists pushing for political reforms rather than accommodating figures hoping to preserve their own exalted positions relative to most Blacks by acquiescing to, or even enforcing, second class citizenship.
Recommended Citation
Shackelford, Chason, "The Educational Development and Political Activism of the Washington D.C. Black Elite 1877-1954" (2024). Theses. 30.
https://roar.una.edu/theses/30
