Nannie Helen Burroughs

Pioneering African-American educator and activist who revolutionized vocational training for black women

Nannie Helen Burroughs (1879-1961) [1] created transformative pathways for marginalized communities through her groundbreaking educational initiatives. As founder of the National Training School for Women and Girls in Washington D.C. (1909), she established the first institution specifically designed to empower African-American women with practical skills and racial pride.

Unlike mainstream vocational schools, Burroughs' curriculum combined domestic science with courses in African history and social activism. Her innovative 'Three Bs' philosophy (Bible, Bath, and Broom) emphasized spiritual growth, personal hygiene, and professional competence as tools for community upliftment.

Burroughs challenged both racial and gender barriers by:

• Creating employment bureaus for graduates
• Pioneering night classes for working women
• Implementing entrepreneurship training before the concept became mainstream