Proclamation

Proclamation printed in black text on a white background, mounted on gold colored board, and housed in a blue "Coleman A. Young Mayor" folder. The text of the proclamation reads as follows:

"FANNIE M. RICHARDS

Fannie M. Richards, born October 1, 1840, achieved an outstanding scholastic record during her school years, and became the first black teacher in the Detroit Public Schools.

Highly respected by her colleagues, Fannie Richards taught black children in Detroit until 1870 when she joined a successful battle against separate schools for blacks and whites in Michigan.

Fannie Richard possessed a great love for children and for teaching which led her to be revered among fellow teachers, students and their parents, and, upon her retirement from teaching in 1915, Ms. Richards said: 'I know my children loved me; I have enjoyed every minute of my life.'

In 1923, at the age of 83, Fannie Richards died. In her memory, and historical marker is being dedicated at the Second Baptist Church in Detroit on October 5, 1975.

Therefore, I, Coleman A. Young, Mayor of the City of Detroit, issue this proclamation in memory of Fannie M. Richards, whose dedication to the young, personal commitment to education, and charitable contributions have influenced the lives of countless members of our community."

The proclamation is signed by Mayor Young and is affixed with the gold seal of the Mayor of the City of Detroit.