ACCESS Reading/writing practice

ACCESS Reading/writing practice

Mary Ellen Pleasant

Have you heard of the Underground Railroad? The Underground Railroad was not an actual railroad. Instead, it was a network of many routes and safe houses meant to help escaped slaves get to Canada or states in the northern United States, where slavery was illegal. Mary Ellen Pleasant, an African American abolitionist, played a major role in the Underground Railroad. In the United States, abolitionists were people who wanted to end the practice of slavery throughout the country. It is thought that Mary and her husband, a wealthy abolitionist, helped with the Underground Railroad in the Boston area.

Multiple Choice

What was the Underground Railroad?

• a subway

• houses and routes where there were people to help slaves escape

• a secret train

Multiple Choice

What was an abolitionist?

• a person who had slaves

• a person who wanted to end slavery

• a person who helped slaves

Sometime in the early 1850s, Mary moved to San Francisco, California. She lived there during a time called the Gold Rush. During that time, people came to California from all over to try to find gold and prosper. In San Francisco, Mary created many businesses, including restaurants.

Multiple Choice

To what state did Mary move in the 1850's?

• North Carolina

• America

• California

Mary Ellen Pleasant became known as a very successful businesswoman. She used her influence to help African Americans. Many slaves escaping their owners would come to her for help. She created safe houses for them, basically helping to bring the Underground Railroad to the West Coast. She also used her status and money to support social justice campaigns and lawsuits.

Multiple Choice

Why was Mary Ellen able to help escaped slaves?

• She had money and she was well known.

• She had cars to take the slaves places.

• She knew secret places to hide.

People did not always respond well to Mary. Some people spread rumors about her. Even some local newspapers spread disrespectful articles about her and called her rude nicknames. But Mary did not let this stop her from helping African Americans in her local community. She used her money and influence to help people who came to her.

By the end of her life, Mary Ellen Pleasant lost a lot of her money and influence, but she is still remembered as a fighter for civil rights.

Multiple Choice

Which word best describes Mary Ellen Pleasant?

• rich

• determined

• rude

Open Ended

Summarize this article. Include the important people and events.