Who was Charlotte Maxeke and what was her cause of death? Google doodle honors South African political activists: Google has a unique style to pay tribute to those whose who gave a great contribution to the world and that is Google Doodle. In honor of the South African religious leader, political or social activist, and the 1st black woman to graduate with a university degree in South Africa Google doodle commemorates Charlotte Maxeke’s 151st birthday. Charlotte Maxeke is popularly known as the mother of Black Freedom in South Africa, she was an evangelist, a scholar, and a torchbearer for the rights of Black South African women. Today’s Doodle is represented by South Africa-based artist Pola Maneli. Follow More Update On GetIndiaNews.com

Who was Charlotte Maxeke?

Charlotte Makgomo (nee Mannya) Maxeke was born in Fort Beaufort, Eastern Cape on the 7th of April 1871. She was the daughter of John Kgope Mannya, the son of the headman Modidima Mannya from the Batlokwa people, under Chief Mamafa Ramokgopa, and Anna Manci, a Xhosa woman from Fort Beaufort. She finally discovered herself following the footsteps of her parents- her father was a preacher whereas her mother was a teacher.

Charlotte Maxeke Death Cause

At the age of eight, she started her primary school classes at a missionary school taught by the Reverend Issac Williams Wauchope in Uitenhage. She topped in English, Dutch, music, and mathematics. She spent long hours tutoring her less skilled classmates, usually with great success. By the age of 20, Maxeke was requested to sing and tour Britain and the United States, the tour of the choir was cut short, but Maxeke decided to stay behind as her eyesight was set on the chance to study in America.

How did Charlotte Maxeke die?

Charlotte Maxeke received a bachelor’s degree from Wilberforce University in the year 1903 and is recognized as the 1st Black South African lady to complete her graduation from the school, as well as the 1st with a university degree in America. While in school, Maxeke topped in several fields of study and was lectured by famous Pan-Africanist scholar W.E.B. DuBois.

Charlotte Maxeke Google doodle honors

After coming back to South Africa, Maxeke settled in Johannesburg and became engaged in the political and social rights movements of the country. She attended the launch of the South African Native National Congress (SANCC) in Bloemfontein in the year 1912. As an avid rival of the dompas, a pass that restrained and limited the freedom of the Black South Africans (particularly ladies), Maxeke aided organize the anti-dompas movement in the year 1913. She also discovered the Bantu Women’s League of the SANCC in the year 1918.