Recently, Maryland delegate Mary A. Lisanti came under fire for her use of a racial slur. While this may seem shocking and new to some people, Lisanti is not the first Maryland delegate to use racially insensitive language about African Americans.
In the below video, learn about Mary E.W. Risteau and how her racism toward African Americans inspired Rosina Thompson Cole to write an open letter, dismantling Risteau's racist views.
The Thompson family lived at 1906 McKean Avenue and the children, Anna Pearl Cole and Harry Augustus Cole, attended the segregated schools in Old West Baltimore.
Enjoy!