Portsmouth, Virginia (May 2, 1879 -May 20, 1961) age 82 yrs

Nannie Helen Burroughs, an African American educator, orator, religious leader, civil rights activist, feminist and businesswoman. Her speech “How the sisters are hindered from Helping,” at the 1900 National Baptist Convention, in Virginia, won her fame. She gained instant recognition. In 1909, she founded the National Training School for Women and Girls, in Washington, D.C. She continued to work there until her death in 1961. In 1964, it was renamed the Nannie Helen Burroughs School in her honor and began operating as a co-ed elementary school