Resolution

Resolution in Memoriam Fannie Richards

Resolution, printed in black text on white paper, mounted on gold board, and matted with brown board. The resolution was made by the Detroit City Council in memoriam of Fannie Richards on October 1, 1975. The resolution is signed by Detroit City Council members and the gold seal of the City of Detroit is affixed to the bottom left. The text of the resolution is as follows:

"WHEREAS Fannie Richards still is remembered as Detroit's first black school teacher, having been employed in that position in 1865 because of her brilliant scholastic record, and

WHEREAS Mindfully dedicated to serving youth of all races, Fannie Richards helped lead the campaign which led to the abolition by the Michigan Supreme Court in 1870 of separate schools for black and white children and then continued to teach all children in Detroit with impeccable professionalism for the next 45 years, and

WHEREAS Fannie Richards is remembered as the founder of the Phyllis Wheatley Home for aged black women, a charitable institution she started by saving half of her already small teacher salary, and

WHEREAS On the day of her retirement in 1915 after 50 years of service to Detroit Public Schools, she said: "I know my children loved me; I have enjoyed every minute of my life," and

WHEREAS This October 1st marks the anniversary of Fannie Richard's birth and, as a further memorial of Detroit's affection for this remarkable woman, an historical marker will be dedicated at the site of her former home at 1357 East Congress near Rivard, NOW THEREFORE BE IT

RESOLVED That the Detroit City Council, on the occasion of her birthday observance October 1 and historical marker dedication October 5, offers this remembrance of Fannie Richards and her love of teaching, of children, and of all people."