Edmonia Lewis

Mary Edmonia Lewis (ca. July 4, 1844–September 17, 1907) was the first African American and Native American woman to gain fame and recognition as a sculptor in the international fine arts world. She was of African American, Haitian and Ojibwe descent. Lewis's 21 August 1865 passport application states that she was born on 4 July 1844 in Greenbush, New York, which is now the City of Rensselaer. Her inspiration for much of her artwork came from her ethnic background. Lewis' father was Haitian of African descent, while her mother was of Mississauga Ojibwe and African descent. Lewis’ mother was known as an excellent weaver and craftswoman. When Lewis was around nine years old, both of her parents died within a year of each other. Lewis and...