Frances Thompson

Frances was born into slavery in Alabama, however by the age of 26 was living as a free woman in Memphis and working as a laundress. 

On May 1, 1866 “The Memphis Massacre” began after police attempted to disperse a group of Black people and arrest Black soldiers. A white mob then attacked the Black residents and burned houses, with Thompons herself being attacked and assaulted. 

Frances testified in front of the U.S. Congress about this massacre. She is believed to be the first trans person to testify before Congress.