Anita Florence Hemmings Research Paper

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Anita Florence Hemmings was the first known African American to graduate from aristocratic Vassar College forty years before the college opened its door to African Americans in1897. She was sent by her Boston parents who were both bi-racial and identified as ‘mulattoes’ off to Vassar College as a white girl. This was the only way black girls could go to exclusive and aristocratic college. There she quickly establishes herself as an exceptional student mastering Latin, Ancient Greek, and French. In addition to her academic achievements, Anita had another qualification, she looked white. By her third year of school rumors started to circulate concerning Anita’s ancestry. Her roommate grew suspicions and mentioned it to her father. The father