Civil Rights Heroine
Lydia Flood Jackson (1862-1963) was born in California’s
East Bay, near Oakland. Her family was prominent among the earliest settled
African American families in the state. Her father Isaac Flood was a tradesman
and laborer and her mother Elizabeth Thorn Scott was a school teacher credited
with starting the first public school for African American students in
California.
Alongside her father who was a member of the
California Colored Convention Movement, she worked hard as a young woman to obtain
civil rights and the right for education for African Americans. Her most noted
efforts came through her involvement with various women’s organizations like
Fanny Jackson Club and the Native Daughter’s Club.
A businesswoman whose cosmetic business manufactured
perfumes, creams and toiletries was successful, she was also a political
activist. She traveled to South America, Mexico, and other places to talk about
her call for democracy. She urged women to fight against stereo typed roles
that stunted their opportunities.
Her work opened the doors for those who followed. With
a strong sense of self-worth and respect, she inspired others to support the
suffrage movement.
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