Shining Lamp: Coralie Franklin Cook (1861–1942)
When Coralie Franklin Cook was born in Virginia in 1861, slavery was still legal in the U.S. Her ancestors had been enslaved by Thomas Jefferson, the nation’s third president, and her parents were born into slavery. She understood deeply the devastating impact of racism. She became a gifted writer and public speaker and used her incredible talents to work for racial justice.
Devoted to Learning
Coralie believed strongly in the power of education. She graduated from Storer College in West Virginia in 1880, then taught English and speech there. In 1898, she married George William Cook, a dean and professor at Howard University in Washington, D.C. Coralie joined the Howard faculty and became the Chair of Oratory. They had one son, George Jr.
Howard was one of only a few universities that welcomed Black students. The Cooks helped make it a place where people of color and their ideas could grow. Coralie focused on empowering female students and providing them with positive role models.
Coralie’s passion for education led to her role as the second Black woman to serve on the Washington, D.C. Board of Education. She also helped found the National Association of Colored Women, where she advocated for women’s right to vote and fair opportunities for all African Americans. She gave dynamic speeches about gender and racial equality.
‘Abdu’l-Bahá spoke at Rankin Chapel on the Howard University campus.
Coralie and George learned about the Bahá’í Faith, and they soon began hosting Bahá’í meetings on campus. When ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, the leader of the Faith, spoke at Howard in 1912, the Cooks helped to organize the event.
Coralie became a Bahá’í the following year, and her husband enthusiastically supported her faith. Her dedication to racial justice continued. She participated in race amity conferences, wrote articles, and spoke publicly, encouraging Bahá’ís to be champions of equality. When she visited Green Acre Bahá’í School in Maine, U.S., she was inspired by the love she witnessed there. She wrote, “The dominant note was spiritual love and unity manifested in real fellowship.”
Champion of Justice
But racial segregation caused tremendous harm throughout the U.S.—even in Bahá’í communities. Despite ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s clear guidance and example of unity, some Bahá’ís wanted separate meetings for the different races. Coralie was deeply concerned about this. She firmly believed that the Bahá’í teachings were the answer to healing racism.
In 1914, Coralie wrote to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and described the crisis of racism in America. She wrote, “Race relationship ... is in a deplorable condition.” She called on her fellow Bahá’ís to “stand by the teachings though it requires superhuman courage ...”
Coralie persevered in her work for justice until her passing in 1942 at age 80. She once said, “I must in word and deed teach the Oneness of Humanity.” Using her powerful speaking and leadership skills, she fulfilled her goal, sharing Bahá’í teachings of unity, and inspiring many to join her in making lasting change.
Bahá’ís in History201 Service288 Communication145 Race Unity219 African American34 Shining Lamps113 Discover516 Biography51 Teaching25 Education53 Race55 Race Amity26 Justice130 Master57 ‘Abdu’l–Bahá136 Bahá’í Faith515 Openness39