Douglas (Bronzeville) in Chicago in Cook County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Fannie Barrier Williams

1855-1960

— Bronzeville Walk of Fame —

Fannie Barrier Williams Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, May 13, 2026

1. Fannie Barrier Williams Marker

Inscription.
Lecturer, journalist, educator
1st black member Library Board of Chicago

Erected 1996.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Arts, Letters, Music • Education • Women. In addition, it is included in the Bronzeville Walk of Fame series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1855.

Location. 41° 49.909′ N, 87° 37.053′ W. Marker is in Chicago, Illinois, in Cook County. It is in Douglas (Bronzeville). It is on South Dr. Martin Luther King Drive north of 35th Street, on the right when traveling south. The marker is one of four embedded in the sidewalk in front of the King Branch of the Chicago Public Library. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 3436 South Dr Martin Luther King Drive, Chicago IL 60616, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the American Midwest

and on the Great Lakes.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

and the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Lorraine Hansberry (here, next to this marker); Vivian Harsh (here, next to this marker); Richard Wright (here, next to this marker); The Boulevard System (within shouting distance of this marker); Bronzeville (within shouting distance of this marker); Gwendolyn Brooks (within shouting

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distance of this marker); a different marker also named Bronzeville (within shouting distance of this marker); Earl “Fatha” Hines (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Chicago.

Regarding Fannie Barrier Williams. Williams was born in Upstate New York and was a teacher in Washington, D.C., when she met her future husband, Samuel Laing Williams, who was the first African American to graduate from George Washington University's law school. They later moved to Chicago, where leading figures in the Black community. Fannie Williams became the first Black member of the prominent Chicago Women's Club, and she gained notoriety for her efforts to increase Black representation during the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition. She joined the library board in 1924, after her husband had died, and then two years later returned to New York. Although the marker says she died in 1960, she actually died in 1944 at age 89.

Also see . . . Fannie Barrier Williams. A bio from Iowa State University. (Submitted on May 22, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)

Four markers in front of the King Branch library image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, May 13, 2026

2. Four markers in front of the King Branch library

Fannie Barrier Williams (1855-1944) image. Click for full size.

Courtesy of Chicago History Museum (ICHi-177354), circa 1900

3. Fannie Barrier Williams (1855-1944)

This photo appeared in Booker T. Washington's 1900 book A New Negro for a New Century, which included a section written by Fannie Williams.

Credits. This page was last revised on May 22, 2026. It was originally submitted on May 20, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. This page has been viewed 9 times since then. Photos: 1. submitted on May 20, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. 2. submitted on May 20, 2026, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 3. submitted on May 22, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.