Mabel Walker (suffragist)
Mabel Cordelia Holloway Walker ( May 2, 1902 – July 8, 1987), an American-Bahamian suffragist, was the founding president of the Bahamas Union of Teachers and the first woman to head a trade union in The Bahamas.[1] Walker along with Mary Ingraham, Georgianna Symonette, and Eugenia Lockhart started the Women's Suffrage Movement that campaigned for universal adult suffrage.[2] In 2012 on the fiftieth anniversary of women gaining the right to vote, the Bahamian government created a series of postage stamps to honor these women. Walker appeared on a 50 cent stamp.[2]
Mabel Walker | |
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| Born | Mabel Cordelia Holloway May 2, 1902 |
| Died | July 8, 1987 (aged 85) |
| Nationality | American-Bahamian |
| Alma mater | Howard University |
| Occupation | Educator |
| Known for | founding president of the Bahamas Union of Teachers |
| Spouse(s) | Claudius Roland Walker |
| Children | 7 |
Early life and education
Mabel Cordelia Holloway was born in Greenville, South Carolina on May 2, 1902 to Reverend Elias B. Holloway.[1][3] She was the sixth of nine children.[3]
As a child Holoway attended elementary school in Greenville and high school in Oberlin High School in Oberlin, Ohio.[3]
She attended Howard University in Washington, DC where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. While at Howard, she met her future husband Claudius Roland Walker, who was studying for a Bachelor of Science degree.[1] Claudius Walker was born in Bain Town neighborhood in Nassau on May 6, 1897 to Claudius F. and Patience (Robinson) Walker.[4]
While in college she was active in the Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA) movement, attending many conferences of the YWCA.[3]
After graduating from college and marrying, Walker worked at a YWCA in New Jersey while her husband pursued his medical studies at Meharry College in Nashville, Tennessee.[1][3] She pursued private studies in Arts and Crafts and painting.[3] The couple relocated to The Bahamas after Claudius completed his medical studies [1]
Career in education
After moving to The Bahamas, Walker became involved in education first by opening a pre-school and assisting Claudius with adult education classes at The Bahamas Technical Institute.[3]
Later, Walker became a teacher with local school system and taught at Southern Preparatory School, Western Senior and Junior schools. She was promoted to Headmistress of Woodcock Primary School.[3] She retired from teaching in 1962.[3]
Bahamas Union of Teachers
The Bahamas Union of Teachers was founded in 1947 by Mabel Walker.[5] Walker was the founding president, making her the first women to be the president of a trade union in The Bahamas.[5]
Women's Suffrage Movement
In 1950, Walker along with Mary Ingraham, Georgianna Symonette, and Eugenia Lockhart started the Women's Suffrage Movement that campaigned for universal adult suffrage.[1][2] With Walker's connections in the Bahamas Teacher's Union, and the other women's connections in women's clubs they were able to influence others to join them.[1]
Later life and death
Walker was the mother to 7 children.[3] After Walker retired from teaching, she ran the Walker's Pharmacy, Clothes and Hardware Store.[3]
The Mabel Walker Primary School,[3] Mabel Walker In-House Professional Development Centre[6] and The Bahamas Union of Teachers' Walker Hall[3] were named to honor Walker. She received The Queen's Medal and Certificate of Honour.[3] Walker died on July 8, 1987 at the age of 85.[1]
References
- Hinsey, Shananda. "LibGuides: Women Suffrage: Suffrage Women". cob-bs.libguides.com. Retrieved 2017-11-11.
- "thebahamasweekly.com - Women's Suffrage Movement Commemorative stamp". www.thebahamasweekly.com. Retrieved 2017-11-13.
- "ohs_obits_W". www.oberlin-high.org. Retrieved 2017-11-13.
- BahamasLocal.com. "CR Walker Senior High - Nassau - Nassau / Paradise Island, Bahamas". www.bahamaslocal.com. Retrieved 2017-11-13.
- "Spotlight – The Bahamas Union of Teachers (B.U.T.)". MOMENTUM. Retrieved 2017-11-13.
- "thebahamasweekly.com - Bahamian teachers advised on 4 new initiatives to enhance education system". www.thebahamasweekly.com. Retrieved 2017-11-13.