November 3, 2016
For immediate release
Contact: Esther Watstein 203-332-5226

HCC Women of Wisdom Lecture Series Features Fannie Jackson Coppin

The Housatonic Community College fall 2016 Women of Wisdom Series continues on Monday, Nov. 14 at 5 p.m. with a lecture by HCC Assistant Professor of English Susan Monroe on Fannie Jackson Coppin, an early crusader for education.

Coppin was born an American slave in 1837. Her freedom was purchased by her aunt when Coppin was 12 years old. She went on to enroll at Oberlin College in Ohio, the first U.S. college to accept black, female students. She graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in 1865 and became the first African American Woman to be a school principal at the Institute for Colored Youth in Philadelphia.

The Institute was founded in 1837 and is the oldest institution of higher education for African American students in the U.S.

Throughout her life Coppin was a champion for education and advocate for women. Coppin died in 1913.

The HCC lecture will take place in the Women’s Center, Beacon Hall, room #371. The public is invited at no charge. Parking is available in the HCC garage, 900 Lafayette Blvd., Bridgeport.

For further information, contact Janice Schaeffler, 203-332-5220.