Boston, Massachusetts (August 31, 1842-March 13, 1924) age 82 yrs

Josephine St. Pierre Ruffin was an African American publisher, journalist, and civil rights leader. She was a suffragist who fought against slavery. Ruffin recruited African American soldiers to fight for the north in the Civil War. She was also the editor of the Woman’s Era. It was the first national newspaper published by and for African American women. Best known for her central role in starting and sustaining the role of clubs for African American women. St. Pierre Ruffin issued the first call for a national convention of African American women. She laid the groundwork for the eventual formation of the National Association of Colored Women.