Mabel Walker (suffragist)
Mabel Walker | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | Mabel Cordelia Holloway May 2, 1902 |
| Died | July 8, 1987 (aged 85) |
| Nationality | American-Bahamian |
| Alma mater | Howard University |
| Occupation(s) | Educator and suffragist |
| Known for | Founding president of the Bahamas Union of Teachers |
| Spouse | Claudius Roland Walker |
| Children | 7 |
Mabel Cordelia Holloway Walker ( May 2, 1902 – July 8, 1987), an American-Bahamian suffragist, was the founding president of the Bahamas Union of Teachers and the first woman to head a trade union in The Bahamas.[1] Walker along with Mary Ingraham, Georgianna Symonette, and Eugenia Lockhart started the Women's Suffrage Movement that campaigned for universal adult suffrage.[2] In 2012, on the fiftieth anniversary of women gaining the right to vote, the Bahamian government created a series of postage stamps to honor these women. Walker appeared on a 50-cent stamp.[2]
Early life and education
Mabel Cordelia Holloway was born in Greenville, South Carolina, on May 2, 1902, to Reverend Elias B. Holloway.[1][3] She was the sixth of nine children.[3]
As a child, Holloway attended elementary school in Greenville and high school in Oberlin High School in Oberlin, Ohio.[3]
She attended Howard University in Washington, D.C., where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. While at Howard, she met her future husband, Claudius Roland Walker, who was studying for a Bachelor of Science degree.[1] Claudius Walker was born in Bain Town neighborhood in Nassau on May 6, 1897, to Claudius F. and Patience (Robinson) Walker.[4]
While in college, she was active in the Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA) movement, attending many conferences of the YWCA.[3]
After graduating from college and marrying, Walker worked at a YWCA in New Jersey, while her husband pursued his medical studies at Meharry College in Nashville, Tennessee.[1][3] She pursued private studies in Arts and Crafts and painting.[3] The couple relocated to The Bahamas after Claudius completed his medical studies [1]
Career in education
After moving to The Bahamas, Walker became involved in education, first by opening a pre-school and assisting Claudius with adult education classes at The Bahamas Technical Institute.[3]
Later, Walker became a teacher with local school system and taught at Southern Preparatory School, Western Senior and Junior schools. She was promoted to Headmistress of Woodcock Primary School.[3] She retired from teaching in 1962.[3]
Bahamas Union of Teachers
The Bahamas Union of Teachers was founded in 1947 by Mabel Walker.[5] Walker was the founding president, making her the first women to be the president of a trade union in The Bahamas.[5]
Women's Suffrage Movement
In 1950, Walker along with Mary Ingraham, Georgianna Symonette, and Eugenia Lockhart started the Women's Suffrage Movement that campaigned for universal adult suffrage.[1][2] With Walker's connections in the Bahamas Teachers' Union, and the other women's connections in women's clubs, they were able to influence others to join them.[1]
Later life and death
Walker was the mother to seven children.[3] After she retired from teaching, she ran the Walker's Pharmacy, Clothes and Hardware Store.[3]
The Mabel Walker Primary School,[3] Mabel Walker In-House Professional Development Centre[6] and The Bahamas Union of Teachers' Walker Hall[3] were named to honor Walker. She received The Queen's Medal and Certificate of Honour.[3] Walker died on July 8, 1987, at the age of 85.[1] In 2023, Walker posthumously received the Order of Distinction – Companion honor from The Bahamian government.[7]
References
- ^ a b c d e f g h Hinsey, Shananda. "LibGuides: Women Suffrage: Suffrage Women". cob-bs.libguides.com. Retrieved November 11, 2017.
- ^ a b c "Women's Suffrage Movement Commemorative stamp". www.thebahamasweekly.com. October 8, 2012. Retrieved November 13, 2017.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n "ohs_obits_W". www.oberlin-high.org. Retrieved November 13, 2017.
- ^ BahamasLocal.com. "CR Walker Senior High - Nassau - Nassau / Paradise Island, Bahamas". www.bahamaslocal.com. Retrieved November 13, 2017.
- ^ a b "Spotlight – The Bahamas Union of Teachers (B.U.T.)". MOMENTUM. Retrieved November 13, 2017.
- ^ Campbell, Kathryn (September 5, 2013). "Bahamian teachers advised on 4 new initiatives to enhance education system". www.thebahamasweekly.com. Retrieved November 13, 2017.
- ^ Staff Writer (July 11, 2023). "Bahamas Awards Kagame, 300 Others With National Honours". Taarifa Rwanda. Retrieved November 18, 2024.