When you’re wealthy, you can get your name placed on just about anything — just donate enough money. But when you don’t have that kind of wealth, the best way to be honored in your community is through hard work, leadership, and lasting contributions. That’s why we used “having something named after you” as one of the criteria for the Black Women Lead list.
Many of Boston’s streets, parks, and landmarks are named after white men. When something is named after a woman, especially a Black woman, you’d expect the city would keep an official list. But they don’t. Given that it’s Women’s History Month, we wanted to highlight the Black women whose names are embedded in the city’s history. See how many names you recognize, and let us know at the Boston Herald if we missed any.
Several schools and learning centers in Boston honor Black women dedicated to education, leadership, and social justice. Maria Baldwin, the first Black female principal in the Northeast, is recognized through the Maria Baldwin School, Maria Baldwin House, and Maria Baldwin Neighborhood in Cambridge. Muriel S. Snowden International School at Copley and the Muriel S. Snowden Scholarship celebrate Snowden’s advocacy for racial justice and education reform. The Helen Y. Davis Leadership Academy in Dorchester honors Davis’s contributions to leadership training and quality education, while Lilla G. Frederick Pilot Middle School recognizes Frederick’s dedication to educational excellence. The Jackie Jenkins-Scott Learning Center continues the legacy of Jenkins-Scott in community education. Dr. Catherine Ellison’s influence on early education is preserved through the Ellison-Parks Early Education School. Alberta V. Scott’s contributions are recognized by the Alberta V. Scott Leadership Academy and Greener Scott Mentorship Program. Ruth M. Batson is commemorated through the Ruth L. Batson Educational Corridor and Ruth M. Batson Educational Foundation Scholarship.
Boston’s public housing and community spaces also reflect the activism of Black women. Mildred Hailey Apartments in Jamaica Plain honor Hailey’s leadership in tenant rights advocacy. Ruth Lillian Barkley Apartments at Cathedral Housing Development and Alice Heyward Taylor Apartments pay tribute to their tireless advocacy in public housing initiatives. Hattie Kelton Housing Complex in Jamaica Plain and Anna M. Cole Community Center in Roxbury celebrate these women’s meaningful contributions. Edward & Earlean Blakely Creative Arts Center commemorates Earlean Blakely’s legacy in community arts. Julia Martin House in Jamaica Plain honors Martin’s community activism, and apartments named by Nuestra CDC honor Ellen Jackson’s extensive advocacy work.
Melnea Cass Boulevard, Melnea Cass Recreation Complex, and the Melnea A. Cass Scholarship honor Melnea Cass’s lifelong fight for racial and economic justice. Edna Bynoe Playground celebrates Bynoe’s dedication to youth recreation. Harriet Tubman’s critical role as an abolitionist and activist is remembered at Harriet Tubman Park, Harriet Tubman Memorial, Harriet Tubman House, and Harriet Tubman Square. Sojourner Truth, another key abolitionist, is commemorated through Sojourner Truth Memorial Statue and Sojourner Truth Court.
Street names have changed to acknowledge historical Black women leaders. Bishop Nellie C. Yarborough Street recognizes Yarborough’s leadership within faith communities. Morgan Avenue in Cambridge (formerly North Point Boulevard) honors educator and activist Gertrude Wright Morgan. Flora Way in Arnold Arboretum commemorates Flora, an enslaved woman who lived in the area and a historically significant figure. Jacobs Street in Cambridge honors Harriet Jacobs, famed abolitionist and author. Ma Dixon Square honors Tommie Joe “Ma” Dixon’s impactful community leadership. Patricia Raynor’s legacy is honored with a street named after her and the Patricia Raynor Scholarship.
The arts and cultural life of Boston have been significantly shaped by Black women. Elma Lewis Playhouse in Franklin Park and the Elma Lewis Arts Scholarship at Emerson College honor Lewis’s substantial contributions to Black arts and culture. Donna Summer, the Queen of Disco, has a street named after her and the Donna Summer Memorial Roller Skating Rink. Alfreda Harris Gymnasium celebrates Harris’s dedication to athletics and youth mentorship. Medina Dixon Courts at Walker Playground honor Dixon’s achievements in sports. Jim & Gloria Smith Memorial Courts at Sportsmen’s Tennis Club commemorate Gloria Smith’s commitment to community sports. Hamilton-Garrett Center for Music & Arts is named in honor of music educators Ruth Hamilton and Elta Garrett.
Historical homes and markers throughout Boston ensure the preservation of Black women’s legacies. Susie King Taylor House at 23 Holyoke St. commemorates Taylor’s contributions as a Civil War nurse and educator. Lewis and Harriet Hayden House, a National Historic Landmark, honors Harriet Hayden’s efforts in the abolitionist movement. Phillis Wheatley’s literary contributions as one of America’s first published African American poets are recognized by a dedicated plaque.
Zipporah Potter Atkins, the first known Black woman to own property in colonial Boston, has a landmark on the Rose Kennedy Greenway marking her historical significance. Eliza Ann Gardner House is recognized on the Boston Women’s Heritage Trail. Mary Eliza Mahoney Dialysis Center honors Mahoney, America’s first Black professional nurse. Mary Walker is commemorated with a dedicated room at the Blacksmith House in Cambridge. Alice W. Yancey’s community advocacy is celebrated through the Alice W. Yancey Community Room at Mattapan Library. Blanche E. Braxton’s pioneering legal career continues to inspire through the Blanche E. Braxton Bar Scholarship by Massachusetts Black Women Attorneys. Florence “Florrie” LeSueur, activist and civic leader, is honored by various cultural markers around Boston. Bessie Barnes Memorial Park and Bessie Barnes Community Garden recognize Barnes’s community leadership and beautification efforts. Frederica Williams has a health center named after her.
These remarkable Black women of Boston have earned their place through dedication, leadership, and advocacy. The more we say their names, the more their stories endure.
Ed Gaskin is Executive Director of Greater Grove Hall Main Streets and founder of Sunday Celebrations