Lucy Craft Laney
Teacher
Georgia-based teacher who, in 1883, opened the first grade school for African-American children. She later established a nursing school and a kindergarten for African-American students.
She began reading at the age of four, despite a law that prohibited African-Americans from becoming literate. She later attended teacher training courses at Atlanta University.
She was raised in the Presbyterian faith.
She and her nine siblings were born in Macon, Georgia to former slaves David and Louisa Laney.
While holding office as Governor of Georgia, future United States President Jimmy Carter displayed Laney's portrait at the Georgia State Capitol.