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Sonoma County Underground Railroad Connection - About Mary Ellen Pleasant
by Enid Pickett
Yes, it was February, and it was also considered the month of emphasis for any academic scholarship of Afro-Americans. Unfortunately for most, this month is the only recognition of such scholarship.
Those of us who are conscious of the complexities of relationships in our human conditions will undoubtedly concur that the blend of histories that form the structure of United States History is definitely co-authored by the countless participation of African American individuals.
Yes, I am using both voices in this column (my African and my American voice) to share with you the local history experience with Sonoma County's most ignored resident, Mrs. Mary Ellen Pleasant. She did live in this county of ours just a few short years ago, historically speaking.
Mrs. Mary Ellen Pleasant's historical story was told to ms and others at a gathering of the Orro Educational Academy, during a Saturday salon, sponsored by Gwen Orro, her son, and Anne Maurice. They invited several community members to see Susheel Bibbs' living history re-enactment of Mrs. Mary Ellen Pleasant.
Susheel Bibbs, author of Mary Ellen Pleasant--1817 to 1904--Mother of Human Rights In California. Second Edition, Fall 1996, more than adequately provides personal and historical information about this remarkable woman. She presents to you her soul, her pains, as well as her most gentile personality.
I learned that Mary Ellen Pleasant lived under the social conditions of slavery and she lived as a warrior of freedom and human rights. One of her many roles was as a slave rescuer, constantly under some form of harassment, physical danger, and consistent slander from San Francisco newspapers and every other form of oppression; except she also lived with daily victories and successes, especially, financial success.
Another role was how she directly financed abolitionist movements with William Lloyd Garrison's newspaper The Liberator. Another unique role was how she disguised herself as a jockey by staining her skin to alert slaves with news of escapes on the under ground Railroad.
Mary Ellen Pleasant passionately dedicated her life to the "struggle" for the freedom of her people, African Americans who survived the horror of slavery. She lived as a model of how such a person could be born a "slave" and net over 30 million dollars in her lifetime.
Mary Ellen Pleasant beat the shit out of the "system" - as she survived the most systematic form of oppression. She lived and died in the most severe times in our short history and left a blueprint for survival. She knew early on in her life the skills to manipulate, and to understand, the power of the almighty green-greedy $$DOLLAR$$.
Mastering the financial world of investments and business; she was able to "buy" arms, espionage secrets, even property, in order to guarantee her safety and future in the United States of America as a woman of color.
The quintessential Feminist, she mastered the art and grace of Feminism. She could have easily written the book on feminism in the 1990's. During the 1840's, 50's. 60's, and 70's, she conspired with those of power -- white males.
Some white males hunted her down, while others fell to her feet in love. She did it all. She even lived in our Sonoma County, bought land here and lived until her death. Local feminists -- take notice -- Mary Ellen Pleasant was here first.
There are stories and legends surrounding Mary Ellen Pleasant, but I wouldn't know where to begin, she is still an untold story here in our local history. If you would like to know more about Mary Ellen Pleasant, read the book, and ask if it is in our local libraries, historical societies, local museums, etc.,.? I bet you know more than most folks, just by reading this article in the Free Press about Mary Ellen Pleasant. She lived in the shame of slavery yet she always kept her dignity. Thank you for showing us the way.
Preface from the book by Susheel Bibbs', Mary Ellen Pleasant 1817 to
1914 Mother of Civil Rights Human in California Second Ed. Fall 1996.
Mother of Civil Rights
Historian Sue Bailey Thurman first called Mary Pleasant "Mother of Civil Rights in California." The well-earned title stuck and appears in the official San Francisco memorial to Mary Pleasant on the corner of Bush and Octavia streets. Due to slander placed in the press at the end of her life and the 20th century writings that echoed that misinformation, Pleasant's legacy has been distorted. However, because of the breadth of her contributions to all peoples, Mary Pleasant might well have been called "Mother of Human Rights in California." Bibbs. 1996.
I would like to share this poem in her honor and her living memory.
Mary Ellen Pleasant
by Enid Pickett
My blood gets hot with the fire of your passion
You defied danger and death
As you plant herbs of your ancestors.
Sing coded songs to the slaves.
Voodoo queen granddaughter,
Madame Marie LaVeau taught you well...
Your wit, your beauty, your courage, your dignity.
Your warrior goddess deeds...
All lead... to one... Path...
That we both walk with bloody - black feet
The path of Social and Human Kindness
The path of Righteousness and Good
The path of Freedom and Justice
The path of Love and Generosity
The path of Life...and all of it's
Consequences and Challenges...
No detour for you
Mary Ellen Pleasant,
No turning back nor tried strides for you
Mary Ellen Pleasant
You make my blood boil with your passion.
Your footprints are still warm on the souls of my feet.