This Noble Woman: Myrtilla Miner and Her Fight to Establish a School for African American Girls in the Slaveholding South

Description

Frederick Douglass dismissed Myrtilla's plan to open a school for African American girls in the slaveholding South as "reckless, almost to the point of madness." But Myrtilla Miner, the daughter of poor white farmers in Madison County, New York, was relentless. Fueled by an unyielding feminist conviction, and against a tide of hostility, on December 3, 1851, the fiery educator and abolitionist opened the School for Colored Girls-the only school in Washington, DC, dedicated to training African American students to be teachers. Although often in poor health, Myrtilla was a fierce advocate for her school, fending off numerous attacks, including stonings, arson, and physical threats, and discouraging local "rowdies" by brandishing her revolver with open displays of target practice. The school would gradually gain national fame and stimulate a nationwide debate on the education of black people. Myrtilla's School for Colored Girls would slowly flourish through the years, and its mission exists even today through the University of the District of Columbia. This Noble Woman is the first modern biography of Myrtilla Miner for young adults, and includes historic photos, source notes, a bibliography, and a list of resources for further exploration.

Michael Greenburg, a practicing attorney and former editor of the Pepperdine Law Review, is the author of Peaches and Daddy, The Mad Bomber of New York, and The Court-Martial of Paul Revere.

"Michael M. Greenburg offers both an insightful biography of Revere and a colorful description of the 'worst American naval disaster prior to Pearl Harbor' in this well-crafted history." Military Officer on The Court-Martial of Paul Revere "It is fair to say that Revere's military and legal troubles are not secrets . . . Greenburg's book, however, is possibly the best documented account, giving us a fuller picture of a human, not saintly, patriot." The Dispatch (Columbus, MS) on The Court-Martial of Paul Revere "Greenburg offers an entertaining history of a scandal, coupled with a serious look at the infancy of tabloid journalism." Publishers Weekly on Peaches and Daddy "A lively, intelligently rendered account" Kirkus Reviews on Peaches and Daddy "Gripping and bizarre . . . In a clear, engaging style, Greenburg marshals the complex facts of the decades-long saga." Kirkus Reviews on The Mad Bomber of New York "We all know teachers can change the world. But Myrtilla Miner took it to an extreme, facing down dancer and fighting through obstacles to build her school. This is a truly inspiring story." STEVE SHEINKIN, author of Bomb , Most Dangerous , and The Port Chicago 50 "Miner's personality, experiences, and historical context are woven together to create a vivid picture of a remarkable and little-known woman's achievements." Kirkus Reviews "Bolstered by small black-and-white photos, this is a detailed look at a flawed but notable woman." Booklist