Who was Florida Ruffin Ridley?

Presented by Hidden Brookline: Bringing Light to the Hidden History of Slavery & Freedom

Brookline Village Library

First Floor: Emery and Lobby Cases

On view through October 2021

 

Born in 1860 to a prominent African American couple, Ridley grew to become a trailblazer for justice. She and her husband Ulysses lived at 131 Kent Street; they were likely the first African American homeowners in town. Who was Florida Ruffin Ridley? And what made her a wonderful choice for our Coolidge Corner school? Come visit the Ridley exhibit at the Brookline Village Library to find out! In this exhibit, you will see family photos and the 1918 Sagamore from her son’s graduation, and read about the 1900 controversy when her club was banned from a national conference. For more information, please visit Hidden Brookline’s website: hiddenbrookline.weebly.com.

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