Mary Jane Patterson (1840–1894) was a pioneering educator, abolitionist, and advocate for women’s rights, widely recognized as the first African American woman to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree, achieving this milestone at Oberlin College in 1862. Her remarkable journey from enslavement to academic and professional prominence stands as a testament to her resilience, intellect, and commitment to uplifting her community.
Born into slavery in Raleigh, North Carolina, in 1840, details of Patterson’s early life remain scarce. It is believed that her family gained freedom and relocated to Oberlin, Ohio, in the mid-1850s, a hub of progressive thought and abolitionist activity. Oberlin College, known for its inclusive policies, became the foundation for her academic pursuits. In 1857, Patterson completed a year of preparatory coursework, demonstrating her academic prowess. Rather than enrolling in the two-year women’s program, she boldly chose the four-year “gentlemen’s course,” a rigorous curriculum of classical studies typically reserved for men. Her determination culminated in her graduation with high honors in 1862, a historic achievement that shattered racial and gender barriers.
After graduating, Patterson began her teaching career in Chillicothe, Ohio, where she spent a year shaping young minds in southern Ohio’s Black community. At age 22, she moved to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to teach at the Institute for Colored Youth (now Cheyney University), a prominent institution dedicated to educating African Americans. From 1863 to 1868, she honed her skills as an educator, contributing to the institute’s mission of fostering intellectual and moral development.
In 1869, Patterson relocated to Washington, D.C., to join the faculty of the newly established Preparatory High School for Colored Youth, which later became M Street High School and is now known as Paul Laurence Dunbar High School. This institution holds the distinction of being the first public high school for African Americans in the United States and the first public high school in Washington, D.C. In 1871, at the age of 31, Patterson was appointed principal, becoming one of the first African American women to hold such a position. Her tenure was briefly interrupted in 1872 when Richard T. Greener, the first Black graduate of Harvard University, assumed the principalship, and Patterson served as assistant principal. After Greener’s departure in 1873, she resumed her role as principal, leading the school until 1884. Under her leadership, the institution flourished, earning a reputation as a prestigious center for secondary education, known for its academic rigor and commitment to preparing African American students for leadership roles.
Patterson’s impact extended beyond the classroom. She remained at the school as a teacher after stepping down as principal, continuing to influence generations of students. Her dedication to education was matched by her activism in the fight for equality. As a fervent advocate for women’s rights, she helped establish the Colored Women’s League of Washington, D.C., an organization dedicated to advancing the social and economic status of African American women. This work underscored her commitment to intersectional justice, addressing both racial and gender inequities.
Mary Jane Patterson died on September 24, 1894, at the age of 54, leaving behind a legacy of groundbreaking achievements. Her Washington, D.C., home at 1532 15th Street, NW, is a stop on the city’s historic walking tour, serving as a lasting tribute to her contributions. Patterson’s life exemplifies the power of education and perseverance in overcoming systemic barriers, and her pioneering spirit continues to inspire efforts toward equity and inclusion.