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Margie giving lessons to the children of farm employees.
(NPS)
Education was viewed by many African American people as the key to a better future, but access and equality would remain an obstacle for decades to come. By 1872, Maryland law required every school district to establish a public school for African American children, and child literacy rates increased by 1880. However, most African American children only received a primary school education, partly because they had to work and help support their families.
At least two members of the Ridgely family (sisters Eliza III and Margaretta “Margie”) were interested in the education and welfare of Black children. Several photos from the 1890s show Margie giving lessons to the children of both Black and white farm employees.
