Mary Tape’s courage and determination left a lasting legacy in the civil rights movement. Her case, Tape v. Hurley, and her activism remain significant milestones in the history of civil rights in the United States. Her efforts helped to lay the groundwork for future generations to continue the fight for equality and justice in education.
Brave Orphan
Mary Tape was born in Qing China (near Shanghai) in 1857. She was an orphan and immigrated by herself to the United States at the age of eleven. She arrived in San Francisco in 1868 and was aided by the Ladies’ Protection and Relief Society. The Society provided a home in San Francisco for struggling orphans in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It was here that Mary learned English and American customs.
In the early 1870s, Mary married Jeu Dip, who later adopted the name Joseph Tape. Together, they raised four children. Mary and Joseph Tape embraced American culture, which helped them integrate into society and achieve a middle-class lifestyle in San Francisco.
Determined Activist
Mary Tape became a notable figure in the fight for desegregation in public schools. In 1884, she attempted to enroll her oldest daughter Mamie in a white public school, but the school denied admission due to Mamie’s Chinese heritage. Mary and Joseph sued the San Francisco Board of Education, leading to the landmark case Tape v. Hurley in 1885. The California Supreme Court ruled in their favor, stating that public schools could not exclude children based on their Chinese ancestry. This case was a significant step towards desegregation in American public schools.
The Tape v. Hurley case had a profound impact on the fight for civil rights and the desegregation of public schools in the United States. This case brought national attention to the issue of racial discrimination in education. It set a legal precedent that public schools could not exclude children based on their race or ancestry. Also, it highlighted the struggles of Chinese immigrants and other minority groups, encouraging further advocacy for equal rights.
Mary Tape the Artist
This ruling challenged the discriminatory practices of the time and paved the way for future civil rights advancements including Brown v. Board of Ed. In response to the ruling, the California legislature passed a law allowing separate schools for children of Chinese descent, which was a setback. However, the Tape family continued to fight for equal education, and their efforts inspired others to challenge segregation laws.
Aside from her activism, Mary Tape gained recognition for her skills as a landscape painter and amateur photographer. She continued advocating for her children’s education and fought against racial prejudice throughout her life. Mary Tape died in 1934 in Berkeley, California. To learn more about Mary Tape, click here.