Suffragists in Georgia

Lugenia Burns Hope, Atlanta: Leading Black suffragist, social activist, reformer, and community organizer.  Among the most influential Black women leaders in the South.  She served as Chair of the Department of Neighborhood Works of the National Federation of Colored Women’s Clubs.

Helen Augusta Howard, Columbus: Started the Georgia Women’s Suffrage Association (GWSA), 1890.  (NGE)

Lucy Laney (1854 – 1933), Augusta: Laney was an educator of African Americans who founded the first school for Black children in Augusta.  After attending Atlanta University, she founded and was the principal of Haines Normal and Industrial Institute, named after the benefactor who provided the money to finance the school.  She was also president of the City Federation of Colored Women’s Clubs, an influential organization in the life of the Black community in Augusta. 

Mary Latimer McLendon, Atlanta: President of the Georgia Women’s Suffrage Association (GWSA) from 1901 to 1921.

Eleanor Raoul, Atlanta: In 1915 lead a suffrage parade on horseback. Later founded the Atlanta Chapter of the LWV.