Mary Patterson became the first black woman in the U.S. to earn an M.A degree- when this is awarded by Oberlin College (May 21, 1862). After her graduation Ms. Patterson was listed as teaching in Chillocothe, Ohio. On October 7, 1864 she became head of Oberlin College’s preparatory department (1853 – 1869). Patterson was also a humanitarian and was active in many organizations. Although she’s not a well-known figure, Ms. Patterson paved the way for other black female educators.
Related articles
- Black History Month (bluemountain.com)
- Little Known Black History Fact: Mary Edmonia Lewis (blackamericaweb.com)
- Single Black Female- The Epidemic (nubiansisters.com)

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