Frances Ellen Watkins Harper’s Trailblazing Achievements in Literature
Frances Ellen Watkins Harper stands as a literary pioneer. She was the first Black woman in the United States to publish both a short story and a novel. Her short story The Two Offers and her novel Iola Leroy placed her firmly in the nation’s literary history.
Beyond her remarkable writing, Harper was also a poet, journalist, and orator. She traveled across the country using her words to advocate for freedom, education, and women’s rights. Her influence extended well beyond the page, inspiring generations of writers and activists.
Champion of Community and Literacy
Harper believed reading and writing were powerful tools for survival and dignity. She saw literacy as a pathway to empowerment, especially for women and African Americans. Her deep love for books began in childhood, shaping her lifelong dedication to storytelling and advocacy.
“She shows us the courage, talent, skill, boldness, and individual and collective action that’s necessary,” said Gabrielle Foreman, co-director of the Center for Black Digital Research, during Harper’s bicentennial celebration. Her words and example still resonate with urgency today.
Frances Ellen Watkins Harper’s Bicentennial Celebration
Two hundred years after her birth, Harper’s voice continues to inspire. Institutions like Penn State have hosted symposiums, read-a-thons, and exhibits to honor her life and legacy. In Philadelphia, a mural now celebrates her contributions to literature, activism, and justice.
These events remind us that Harper’s vision was never confined to her time. Her calls for justice, equality, and community remain deeply relevant in today’s social and political climate. Her story highlights how past struggles and victories guide today’s movements.
The Frances Ellen Watkins Harper Fellowships
Harper’s legacy also lives on through the Frances Ellen Watkins Harper Fellowships, launched by The 19th in 2021. The program provides early- and mid-career journalists from HBCUs with training, mentorship, and professional opportunities.
Since its start, 15 fellows have participated. They have covered pressing issues such as voting rights, environmental justice, gender-affirming care, and Black joy. Many graduates of the fellowship now work at respected national publications. This effort reflects Harper’s belief in empowering voices too often excluded from mainstream platforms.
A Legacy of Courage and Inspiration
As “the mother of African-American journalism,” Harper mentored and supported many Black writers, including Ida B. Wells and Mary Ann Shadd Cary. Her fearless dedication to truth-telling continues to shape the fight for representation in journalism and literature.
Modern journalists and writers describe Harper’s work as a testimony. It speaks directly to those who once were “little Black girls who loved to read,” reminding them of the strength in words and the power of storytelling. Her enduring influence demonstrates how one woman’s vision can ignite change for centuries.
