Mary Ellen Pleasant

Mary Ellen Pleasant was a pioneering African American woman in the 19th century, known for her philanthropy, activism, and entrepreneurship. Born in 1814, she used her wealth to support abolitionist movements, help enslaved people escape, and promote civil rights. She was also a successful businesswoman, managing hotels and investments, which was unusual for Black women at the time. Pleasant played a key role in the underground railroad and fought against racial injustice, leaving a lasting legacy as a trailblazer for equality and social change.