
This is site
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LR1:
A present-day middle school named after the poet Phillis Wheatley
The
Wheatley Middle School is named after Phillis Wheatley [c.1753-1784],
one of the earliest African-American poets. She was kidnapped in Africa
when she was seven years old and brought to Boston. She learned Latin
and wrote her first poem at age 11. A book of her poems was published
in London in 1773. |
LR2: A present-day middle school which formerly housed two different
girls high schools
“Erected by the City
of Boston. Dedicated to the education of girls. Anno Dom. 1912.” This
is the inscription on the Dearborn Middle School, which began its “life”
as the High School of Practical Arts. It prepared girls “to meet the problems
of life, inside the home and in the business world, in a dignified and
intelligent manner.” All girls took classes in cooking, laundry, sewing,
nursing, and home economics, as well as regular academic subjects.
After the High School of Practical Arts closed, the building became the
new home of Girls’ High School—the first high school for girls in Boston.
The school opened in 1852 in downtown Boston with 100 students, moved
to the South End in 1870, and then to 35 Greenville St. in 1954. The present
library is dedicated to Julia Buck, Class of 1887, who served as secretary
of the school from 1908-1928. When she died in 1928, she left a small
legacy to the school. |
LR3: A community tot lot run by activist Mildred Daniels
The Tot Lot is a pleasant and very special park because it brings the
community together. The park has a good history. Every year in the summer,
Ms. Daniels, who runs the park, opens the gates for the community to enjoy
themselves in peace without worrying about violence. The land for the
Tot Lot was donated by the Carmelite Monastery next door.
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LR4: A Carmelite Monastery where the nuns pray for and serve the community
The Carmelite Monastery is down the street from the Dearborn. It has been there since 1896. It is a church and a house put together. The women that we saw there were very wise. The nuns stay inside the monastery, grow crops in their back yard, and pray for the community to be safe and clean. Working with Ms. Daniels, they gave the land for the Tot Lot next to the monastery. Their door is open all the time. We think that no matter what happens, the monastery will always be around. |
LR5: A boulevard named for activist Melnea Cass
Melnea
Cass [1896-1978], known as the “First Lady of Roxbury,” fought
vigorously and successfully for the improvement of services and resources
for Boston’s black community for over 60 years. A graduate of Girls’ High
School in 1914, she encouraged women to vote in the 1920’s, helped found
Freedom House, was president of the Boston NAACP, and demonstrated for
integrated public schools in the 1970’s. Mrs. Cass received many awards
and honors, was named Mass. “Mother of the Year” in 1974, and even
met Queen Elizabeth. In 1981, a new thoroughfare - Melnea Cass Boulevard
in Lower Roxbury - was named in her honor. |
LR6: A mural which honors three local women activists
If you’re around Dudley Street near Davis Supermarket, take a look at
the big mural and find a friend to talk about it. It’s the Unity Mural,
created by Dudley area kids working with the Dudley Street Neighborhood
Initiative (DSNI). Its sign says “Unity Through Diversity.” Ms.
Daniels, whom we visited, is in the mural. DSNI, which includes people
from many cultures, is working to organize, control and develop the vacant
land in the neighborhood. The people have cleaned up trash and helped
create new housing. |
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