Six Women of Historic Significance from Charleston, South Carolina Who Exemplified  Resilience and Leadership 

By Mark A Leon

Charleston, South Carolina, has been home to many trailblazing women whose contributions shaped history. Below are four remarkable figures born and raised in Charleston who made lasting impacts in their fields.

Septima Poinsette Clark (1898–1987)

Known as the “Mother of the Civil Rights Movement,” Septima Poinsette Clark was a pioneering educator and activist. Born in Charleston, she studied at the Avery Institute and became a teacher at private rural schools, as Black educators were barred from teaching in public schools at the time. Clark advocated for legislative change, successfully pushing for Black teachers to work in public schools by 1920.

Her most notable contribution was developing “citizenship schools,” which taught literacy and civic engagement to disenfranchised African Americans. These schools became instrumental in the Civil Rights Movement. 

Despite facing setbacks, such as being fired for her NAACP membership, Clark remained steadfast in her activism. Her efforts earned her numerous accolades, including an honorary doctorate from the College of Charleston, the “Living Legacy” award from President Jimmy Carter, and South Carolina’s highest honor, the “Order of the Palmetto”.

Laura Mary Bragg (1881–1978)

Laura Bragg was a pioneer in science education and museum leadership. Though not originally from Charleston, she moved there after earning a library science degree from Simmons College. Bragg became the first female director of a museum in the United States when she assumed leadership of the Charleston Museum in 1920.

Bragg championed accessibility in education and culture. She founded the Poetry Society of South Carolina, added a children’s library to the museum, and opened its doors to Black visitors one day a week during segregation—a bold move at the time. Her advocacy extended into civil rights and public education, leaving a legacy of inclusivity and innovation.

Sarah Campbell Allan (1860–1933)

Sarah Campbell Allan broke barriers as South Carolina’s first female physician. Born and raised in Charleston, Allan initially faced rejection from the Medical College of South Carolina due to her gender. Undeterred, she pursued medical studies at the Women’s Medical College of New York.

After earning her degree, Allan returned to Charleston in 1894 and excelled during her medical board examination, scoring higher than all other applicants. She dedicated her career to patient care and teaching at the South Carolina Hospital for the Insane. Her perseverance paved the way for women in medicine across the state.

The Pollitzer Sisters: Anita, Carrie, and Mabel

The Pollitzer sisters—Anita, Carrie, and Mabel—were suffragists who left indelible marks on Charleston’s history. Raised at 5 Pitt Street in downtown Charleston, they worked tirelessly for women’s rights.

• Carrie Pollitzer was instrumental in opening the College of Charleston to women in 1918. She also established free kindergarten programs to improve early childhood education.

• Mabel Pollitzer advocated for civic causes and education reform. She helped establish Charleston’s first public library and served as its director.

• Anita Pollitzer, a radical feminist, played a key role in securing women’s suffrage through her leadership in the National Woman’s Party. She also maintained friendships with influential artists like Georgia O’Keeffe.

These sisters collectively advanced women’s rights locally and nationally.

These six women exemplify resilience and leadership across education, civil rights, medicine, and activism. Their legacies continue to inspire generations in Charleston and beyond.

Take some time and read more about these and other remarkable women who have shaped our Charleston and national landscape.