Recognizing Dinah Whipple

Floor Speech

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Mr. PAPPAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Dinah Whipple of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, in celebration of Black History Month Dinah Whipple was a monumental figure for educational equality in the State of New Hampshire.

Dinah was enslaved until her emancipation at the age of 21. On February 12, 1781, Dinah married Prince Whipple, who for many years was enslaved by William Whipple, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence.

Dinah Whipple conducted the Ladies African Charitable School for several decades, providing education for formerly enslaved people and their children.

Over two centuries later, her legacy still lives on in New Hampshire with the Dinah Whipple STEAM Academy at the University of New Hampshire. This program offers underrepresented young teens of color the opportunity to explore science, technology, engineering, arts, math, and black history in America for no cost. In addition, the location of Dinah Whipple's trail blazing school is now a stop on the Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire.

On behalf of my constituents in New Hampshire's First Congressional District, I recognize Dinah Whipple for her selflessness to New Hampshire's community and history. Now more than ever, it is important to honor and celebrate the lives of individuals who gave back to our communities, and Dinah Whipple's legacy and memory must be honored.

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