Mary Church Terrell: An Original Oberlin Activist

Letters to a Friend

In a series of letters to her college friend Daisy Matter, Terrell reveals that the 1920s had been a time of “troubles and trials” for her, including the ill health of her husband Robert, and injuries from an automobile accident which kept Terrell in the hospital for two months.  She reveals her indomitable spirit saying:  "in spite of the successions of misfortunes, I look and feel as well as I ever did."  Her selfless commitment to social equity is as strong as ever as she tells Matter in an April 9, 1924 letter why she has not yet contributed to the Alumni campaign:

I was in Oberlin a few years ago and I was very much grieved over the radical change in the treatment of colored students. For instance, the Secretary of Oberlin College told me he did not believe white students should have to live under the same roof with colored students or eat with them at the table. He said he himself would not care to do so and he didn’t think the white students should be forced to do so. (page 4)

. . .

It has taken me a long time to decide what it was my duty to do under the circumstances. Once I thought that making a contribution, knowing as I do how the Secretary feels toward the young men and women of my race, might be interpreted as an act of disloyalty toward them. (pages 8- 9)

Although Terrell admits the experience with Secretary Jones and subsequent communications with President King "left a bitter taste in my mouth," yet love for her alma mater remains:

I love Oberlin College with all my heart.  It was so good and kind to me.  My life was so free from prejudice and so full of opportunity while I was a student there. But alas, things have changed greatly in that respect.  The times have changed on general principle. I do not blame Oberlin College for that. (page 7)

Matter's reply must have worked magic, for a few months Terrell is "stirred up" to attend an upcoming reunion. In a letter dated June 2, 1924 and one undated, Terrell's replies to Matter indicate renewed enthusiasm and a desire to "be with dear old '84 once more."