Baltimore City Public Schools -

Women's education has been a part of City Schools' history since the founding of the Eastern and Western High Schools, which were among the first steps in securing women's right to education. This legacy is exemplified through the lives of alumni like Etta Haynie Maddox and Bessie Louise Moses. 

Maddox (pictured left), born on January 6, 1860, was a vocalist, lawyer, and suffragist. Maddox's early career as a vocalist led her to become deeply involved in the suffrage movement. Later, she became the first woman in Maryland to be licensed to practice law in 1902, overcoming legal barriers that had previously prevented women from taking the bar exam. As the first woman to attend the University of Baltimore's Law School, she became a key advocate for women's rights, including the right to take the bar exam. In 1910, she wrote Maryland's first suffrage bill, further cementing her role as a champion for women's equality. 

Moses (pictured right), a Johns Hopkins University-trained obstetrician and gynecologist, was a trailblazer in the birth control movement. In 1927, she founded Maryland's first contraceptive clinic and served as its medical director. Moses worked tirelessly to expand access to contraceptive services and education, making her a key figure in the fight for women's reproductive rights. 

City Schools has been the starting point for many famous artists, including Ethel Llewellyn Ennis (pictured left), a Frederick Douglass High School (Douglass) graduate. She was a celebrated jazz singer and an influential figure in the American music scene. Known for her deep, rich voice and smooth delivery, Ennis gained national recognition as a vocalist, performing with top bands and releasing numerous recordings. Her musical talent and commitment to her craft solidified her as one of the prominent African American jazz vocalists of her time, earning her a place in the history of jazz. 

Florence Riefle Bahr (pictured right) was a Forest Park High School graduate and well-known artist and activist. She portrayed significant moments of history in her paintings. Bahr supported civil and human rights and used her artistic talents to make a record of historic events, like Martin Luther King Jr.'s Washington D.C. "I Have a Dream" speech. She became involved in causes like the Black Panther Party breakfast programs, women's rights, and anti-war efforts. 

A Western High School (Western) graduate, Tamara Janice Dobson (pictured left) was an American actress and fashion model. Beginning her career in modeling during the late 1960s, Dobson became best known for her title role as government agent Cleopatra "Cleo" Jones in the 1973 blaxploitation film Cleopatra Jones and its 1975 sequel Cleopatra Jones and the Casino of Gold.

Many community leaders, civil servants, and elected officials also got their start at City Schools, including Victorine Quille Adams (pictured right), a pioneer in Baltimore politics and graduate of Douglass, who made history as the first African American woman elected to the Baltimore City Council, serving four terms from 1967 to 1983. Her leadership paved the way for the ongoing presence of African American women in the city's political landscape. Born in 1912, Adams was deeply committed to improving political representation, civic participation, and economic opportunity for all Baltimoreans. In addition to her groundbreaking political career, Adams co-founded the National Council of Negro Women's Baltimore Section, led the Colored Women's Democratic Campaign Committee, and was instrumental in empowering women through organizations like Woman Power, Incorporated. Throughout her life, she was an unwavering advocate for equity and community empowerment, leaving a lasting legacy as an inspirational public servant and role model for future generations of women in politics.

Rosalie Silber Abrams (pictured left), a Western Graduate born in Baltimore on June 16, 1916, was a powerful figure in both politics and healthcare. A nurse and Navy veteran, she became the first woman and Jewish person to serve as Maryland's Senate Majority Leader. Abrams was instrumental in creating the Health Services Cost Review Commission, a model for healthcare reform, and passed legislation supporting victims of sexual offenses. She also worked extensively for the elderly and those with mental illness, chairing key state commissions. Abrams' career left a lasting legacy, shaping Maryland's healthcare and social policies while advancing women's political roles. 

Virginia S. Baker (pictured right) was a dedicated civil servant who left an indelible mark on Baltimore's recreational landscape. Known affectionately by many nicknames—such as "Baltimore's First Lady of Fun" and "Queen of the Hill"—Baker's career spanned over five decades. She began as a volunteer playground monitor at Patterson Park, and following her graduation from Eastern High School in 1939, she was hired by the Department of Recreation and Parks. Baker's commitment to children and the community led to her becoming the director of the "Adventures in Fun" office, an initiative created for her by Mayor William Donald Schaefer. Her tireless work organizing events and programs for the city's youth earned her recognition, culminating in naming the Virginia S. Baker Recreation Center in 1984, a fitting tribute to her legacy. Through her efforts, Baker became a beloved figure in Baltimore, inspiring generations of children with her passion for fun and recreation.

These women have left a lasting impact on our community and society through their groundbreaking contributions. As we celebrate Women's History Month, we honor their achievements and continue to draw inspiration from their courage, perseverance, and dedication. Their legacies serve as a reminder of the power of education, activism, and leadership in shaping the world for future generations.