Early on in her life, Mary learned of the plight of refugees and the downtrodden in Chicago and took up their cause. A Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Northwestern University, she alternated teaching, YWCA campus, and settlement house work until 1928, when she began work on an M.A. in political science at the University of Chicago. She began teaching at Phillips High School in 1929, and became part of the original staff in 1935 of the new high school later named DuSable. 

Mary led the way in founding the Chicago Teachers Union, served as vice president of the American Federation of Teachers, wrote curriculum for the Chicago Public Schools, and in her later years ran a study/action program with senior citizens, receiving honors for her achievements at every stage. Yet nothing in her career touched the wonder of the bond she had with her students. Neither race nor class nor age could limit that mutual respect, as she prodded them to secure justice for African Americans in our society. 

In 1984, her students honored her with a Tribute held at University Church. She agreed to such an honor only if “some good might come from it.” Hence, this Scholarship Fund!