Mary Ann Shad Cary (1823-1893) was one of the most accomplished and celebrated women in black history. She was born in Wilmington, yet few Delaware residents have ever heard of her. Shad Cary seems more a woman of our times than of her own. Teacher, journalist, editor, feminist, lawyer, wife and mother…it is easy to imagine her as a modern-day superwoman, preaching and practicing a life committed to racial and gender equality. It is harder to imagine a woman, especially a woman of color, leading a life so rich with accomplishments 150 years ago.

About the Speaker: Lora Englehart has always been interested in American History, and in recent years has become fascinated by the wealth of little know herstory in our country. A simple article about freedom in the July 4, 1996 edition of the News Journal launched Englehart on a journey of discovery into the life of Wilmington-born Mary Ann Shad Cary. Along the way, Englehart has learned about other incredible women and men who have made important contributions to our society, but were not included in history books because of their gender or race. It is an honor to share a piece of ourstory with you.