"Our Hidden Gems"

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Fannie M. Jackson Coppin

Former slave and purchased by her aunt at 12 years old.  Ms. Fannie was one of the first Black women to graduate from a major U.S. college - Oberlin College in Oberlin, Ohio in 1865. 

She was also the first Black woman to oversee a co-ed learning institution in the country after leading the Philadelphia Institute for Colored Youth (later named Cheyney State University). 

Ms. Fannie continued to give back through establishing The Women's Exchange and Girls' Home.  She was a board member for the Home for Aged and Infirmed Colored People in Philadelphia founded by Blacks and Quakers. This service provided housing for black people 55 and older.  

These services were known as "beneficial societies" because they recognized black people of being "worthy of liberty."  Ms. Fannie was a guiding light to enrich and enlighten the lives of black people. She demonstrated that academic excellence can be achieved by anyone. 

"Slave Gordon" also known as Whipped Peter

Enslaved in Louisiana but determined to be free.  He is notably recognized for his horrific beating.  In July 1863, images of his flogged back were photographed for an article about "Slave Gordon" and published in Harper's Weekly, the most widely read journal during the Civil War.  These images became known worldwide, documenting the extensive whipping of his back while enslaved.

Gordon made his escape through an 80-mile, 10-day journey.  Not only did his determination save him, but onions as well.  He took onions from the plantation and rubbed them over his body repeatedly to mask the scent of the bloodhounds and catchers in pursuit of him. 

Gordon reached a Union camp near Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where his freedom was manifested from "Slave Gordon" to Private Gordon.

Elizabeth Taylor Greenfield aka "The Black Swan"

Born into slavery in Natchez, Mississippi, and raised by Quakers, Elizabeth Greenfield took her mistress's surname and cultivated her vocal talent. 

After her mistress's death, she pursued music, performing first in Buffalo, New York.  Her friends funded her trip to Europe for further training. Despite a setback when her manager defaulted on her first international concert, she made a remarkable comeback, singing for Queen Victoria at Buckingham Palace in 1854.

Known as the "Black Swan" because of her black attire, Greenfield returned to the United States due to financial constraints, continuing to follow her passion for music.