Throughout the state’s history, Black leaders in Missouri have worked tirelessly to uplift children and families, advocating for education, social services and systemic change in the face of injustice. As we reflect on their lasting impact during Black History Month, we wanted to recognize some of the individuals who dedicated their lives to Missouri children and families.
Annie Turnbo Malone (1869 – 1957)
Annie Malone was a pioneering inventor, businesswoman and philanthropist. She’s known for developing non-damaging hair care products for Black women and founding the Poro College in St. Louis, a cosmetology school and center. Through her entrepreneurship, Annie Malone became a millionaire and used her wealth to support Black children in St. Louis. She was a benefactor of the St. Louis Colored Orphans Home, which was later renamed the Annie Malone Children & Family Services. This organization still serves youth and families today, and it is one of MCC’s member organizations.
“I could be no happier than giving service to my people.”
– Annie Turnbo Malone
Fredericka Douglass Sprague Perry (1872 – 1943)
Granddaughter of Frederick Douglass, Fredericka Douglass Sprague Perry was an activist and philanthropist. She established the Colored Big Sisters Home for Girls in Kansas City, Missouri, in 1934 to provide a safe environment, housing and education for Black girls. Her work in child welfare was widespread, from advocating for Black children in foster care to building support networks in communities to keep families together.
James Milton Turner (1840 – 1915)
James Milton Turner was a key founder of the Lincoln Institute in 1866 (now called Lincoln University) in Jefferson City, Missouri. He advocated for the university to receive state funding to ensure it grew into a sustainable institution for educating Black students in Missouri. He worked with Freedmen’s Bureau schools in Missouri, ensuring that newly freed Black children had access to quality education. He also pushed for equitable policies in education and social services to support Black children and communities.
Norman R. Seay (1932 – 2019)
A civil rights activist and community leader, Seay played a significant role in advancing social services for Black families and children in Missouri. He was also instrumental in desegregating public spaces in St. Louis and advocating for hiring Black professionals in the service industry. As a founding member of the St. Louis branch of the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE), he pushed for policy changes in education, housing and welfare programs that directly impacted Black children in the state.
“Talking about integration, about employing African Americans … We were change agents.”
– Norman R. Seay
Susan B. Wilson
Susan B. Wilson has held a long list of titles, from radio and TV contributor to the NFL and Kansas City Chiefs consulting psychologist to the Vice Chancellor of the Division of Diversity and Inclusion at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Throughout her career, her dedication to promoting positive change for Kansas City residents hasn’t wavered. Wilson also helped lead several health and behavioral healthcare organizations as well as served on the Mayor’s Human Rights Commission and the State of Missouri’s African American Statewide Mental Health Task Force.
Marian Wright Edelman (1939 – present)
Founder and president emeritus of the Children’s Defense Fund, Marian Wright Edelman is an activist whose work influenced leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. and Hillary Clinton. While not originally from Missouri, her advocacy has significantly impacted child welfare policies nationwide, including in Missouri. Edelman’s advocacy for Head Start and early childhood programs has influenced Missouri’s investment in pre-K education, particularly for low-income and Black children. The Children’s Defense Fund (CDF) Freedom Schools model, inspired by the Civil Rights Movement, has been implemented in Missouri communities like St. Louis and Kansas City, where it provides summer literacy and leadership programs for Black children. Marian Wright Edelman’s advocacy also influenced foster care, juvenile justice and child poverty programs and addressed racial disparities in education, healthcare and child welfare.
“If we don’t stand up for children, then we don’t stand for much.”
– Marian Wright Edelman
Mary Bland (1936 – 2016)
A Kansas City native, Mary Bland served in the Missouri State Legislature for more than two decades. She was an advocate for minority rights, equality and social justice. Over the course of her 25-year political career, Bland helped advance legislation for improved public health, education, housing and social services. Mary Bland was honored by the Missouri Black Leadership Association, Missouri Department of Health and National Black Caucus of State Legislators. She was known for encouraging youth to pursue education and get involved in public service.
“I figured if we could pursue creative solutions for better services to those who were underserved, starting with babies, children and women, then all citizens would benefit.”
– Mary Bland
Anita L. Russell
Recognized as one of the Lifetime and 100 Most Influential Kansas Citians (2015), Anita L. Russell is a force for community involvement in Kansas City. She’s committed to engaging youth through education, civil rights activism and civic service. Russell serves as the president of the Kansas City branch of the NAACP. Over the years, she’s been honored many times, including with a Missouri Outstanding Service Social and Civic Group Award, and a Martin Luther King Dream Conference King Woman of the Year Award.
