She had worked hard for an education during a time it was a hard won prize for African Americans. When Nannie Helen Burroughs finished school and applied for teaching positions in the system that educated her, she was refused because of the color of her skin. Her dark brown skin would relegate her to jobs as domestic servants.
She was determined to not let that happen. She set out for a life where she could teach and help other women in her place have a different future. Her determination changed lives.