Mary Ingraham


Mary "May" Ingraham, a Bahamian suffragist, was the founder and president of the Bahamas Women's Suffrage Movement. In 2012 a series of postage stamps were issued to honor the women of the suffrage movement on fiftieth anniversary of women gaining the right to vote. Ingraham appeared on the 15 cent stamp.

Early life and education

Mary Ingraham was born on 30 July 1901 in New Providence. She was married to Rufus Ingraham.

Suffragist

Along with Georgianna Symonette, Eugenia Lockhart and Mabel Walker, Ingraham founded the Women's Suffrage Movement.
In 1962, women gained the right to vote and serve in elected office in the legislature. By 1967 black women had organized themselves into a strong voting block that contributed to the Progressive Liberal Party's win and eventually Majority rule.
In the past Ingraham was a Daughter Ruler of the Elks of the World and a Matron of the Order of Eastern Stars.

Recognition

Mary Ingraham Intergenerational Care Centre is named for Ingraham. On the 50th anniversary of women gaining the right to vote in The Bahamas, the Bahamian government issued a series of postage stamps to honour the women who campaigned for universal adult suffrage. Ingraham appeared on the 15 cent stamp.