North Carolina church honors Anna Julia Cooper, education rights advocate for Black women and girls

March 6, 2026 - 02:11

Members of St. Ambrose Episcopal Church in Raleigh, North Carolina, recently gathered to celebrate the life and enduring impact of Anna Julia Haywood Cooper, a seminal figure in the fight for educational rights for Black women and girls. The special observance honored Cooper, who was formally added to the Episcopal Church’s calendar of saints in 2022.

Born into enslavement in Raleigh around 1858, Cooper shattered barriers of race and gender. She became only the fourth African American woman to earn a doctoral degree and served for decades as a principal at Washington, D.C.’s famed M Street School, a premier institution for Black students. Her seminal 1892 book, "A Voice from the South," is considered a foundational text of Black feminist thought.

The parish event highlighted her deep local roots and her lifelong commitment to the Episcopal faith. Attendees reflected on her powerful argument that the elevation of Black women was essential for the entire nation's progress. Through prayer, discussion, and remembrance, the community reaffirmed Cooper’s vision, ensuring her advocacy for education and equality continues to inspire new generations. Her legacy stands as a testament to intellectual rigor, unwavering faith, and the relentless pursuit of justice.