Remembering Harper

Frances Ellen Watkins Harper’s enduring legacy is evident across various spheres today, demonstrating her lasting impact as a writer,

activist, and lecturer. Her influence can be seen in organizational tributes, such as the Frances Ellen Harper Branch of the Women’s

Christian Temperance Union established in Seattle in 1891. Historical preservation efforts have recognized her Philadelphia home as a

landmark, while the city itself erected a marker in 1992 to honor

her activism for Black Americans. Cultural institutions like the

Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History

and Culture feature her work, and educational institutions pay

homage to her legacy, with Morgan State University naming

a dormitory after her and Harriet Tubman. Contemporary

performances, such as those planned by the University of

Delaware’s Women of Consequence dance group, continue

to bring Harper’s words to life. These diverse tributes underscore

the importance of preserving the contributions of significant

nineteenth-century Black women like Harper. Despite

her minimized presence in some historical records, various

groups and organizations ensure that her impact on American

history and culture remains visible and celebrated today.