Roberta B. Sheridan


Roberta B. Sheridan was an African American teacher and a lifelong resident of Baltimore. Throughout her life, Sheridan educated black children in Sunday schools and in public schools. One of her largest accomplishments occurred when she was appointed to a teaching position in Baltimore City in 1888, after heated debate over allowing colored teachers into public schools in the city. While teaching at school no. 9 she worked alongside other black teachers including George W. Biddle and Nannie B. Grooms. Sheridan and the other African American teachers hired that year challenged the racial exclusivity of the teaching profession. The public school system had to recognize that African American teachers were both qualified and readily available to teach in Baltimore. Sheridan’s career and personal life indicates a continued devotion to education and to gaining admittance for African Americans as public school teachers.

Maryland State Archives Biography Page

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