Alice Dunbar Nelson
1875–1935 (age 60)
Writer/Activist
Biography
Alice Dunbar Nelson lived as a pioneering voice for African American women, blending poetry, journalism, and activism to document the hopes and struggles of her time. She navigated personal trials and public demands with grace, leaving a legacy of essays and stories that capture both tenderness and resolve.
Her relentless advocacy for suffrage, education, and civil rights brought communities together, and her leadership in clubs and literary circles created spaces where Black women could themselves be heard. Her example continues to inspire those who believe in the power of words to shape a more equitable society.