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.
