Celebrate Black History: Nellie Francis – Women’s Suffrage Advocate in Minnesota
The story of Nellie Francis, a pioneering African American woman who fought for civil rights and women’s suffrage in Minnesota.
St. Paul, Minnesota – In celebration of Black History Month, let’s shine a spotlight on the inspiring Nellie Francis, a woman who broke barriers in Minnesota during the early 20th century.
Born Nellie Griswold in Nashville in 1874, she moved to St. Paul with her family in 1885. As the only African American graduate of her high school in 1891, Nellie was a Minnesota trailblazer from the start, using her graduation speech to address the racial prejudices of the time.
Nellie’s talents extended beyond academics; she was also a gifted singer, performing often at her church, Pilgrim Baptist. It was there she met William T. Francis, whom she married in 1893. Nellie juggled her singing career with various roles in the church and her work as a stenographer, all while her husband climbed the ranks in his career.
A true activist, Nellie was deeply involved in the fight for women’s suffrage and civil rights. She held leadership positions in several organizations, including the National Association of Colored Women’s Clubs and the Everywoman Suffrage Club in Minnesota. Her efforts extended to forming the Folk Song Coterie, a singing group that celebrated African American music and performed at patriotic events during World War I.
Nellie’s activism took a dramatic turn following the tragic lynching of three black carnival workers in Duluth in 1920. She played a pivotal role in passing an anti-lynching statute in Minnesota, marking her as a significant figure in the state’s legislative history.
In 1924, Nellie and William faced racism head-on when they bought a house in a predominantly white neighborhood in St. Paul, leading to protests and threats from their new neighbors. Despite the hostility, they stood their ground and moved in.
Their lives took an international turn in 1927 when William was appointed U.S. Minister and Consul to Liberia. The couple moved to Monrovia, where Nellie added the role of diplomat’s wife to her already impressive resume. Tragically, their time in Liberia was cut short when William died of yellow fever in 1929.
Nellie eventually returned to Nashville, where she continued to work and care for her grandmother until her own death in 1969. Today, her legacy lives on, with her efforts in securing voting rights for women recognized at the Woman Suffrage Memorial Garden at the Minnesota State Capitol.
