In October of 1831,
I opened a private girl’s academy
In Canterbury, Connecticut.
In 1833, I decided to admit
An African American student
Named Sarah Harris,
Who wanted more education
In order to become a teacher
For African American children.
The white students’ parents were outraged
And demanded
That Sarah Harris be expelled.
I refused to expel the young student
And decided instead to open a new school
For African American girls.
My new school met with much hostility,
And I was arrested and jailed.
Although I finally won my legal battle,
I feared for my students’ safety
And decided to close the school in 1834.