Nantucket High School honors Eunice Ross with posthumous diploma 180 years later

On June 2, 2025, a government meeting in Nantucket highlighted the historical significance of Eunice Ross, a key figure in the fight for educational integration in the town. The meeting focused on Ross's legacy, particularly her role in advocating for civil rights and the abolition of slavery, which sparked significant debate in the community during the mid-19th century.

Eunice Ross, the youngest child of African-born James Ross and Mary Pompey Ross, was an activist who played a crucial role in the integration of Nantucket Public Schools. Her efforts, along with those of other abolitionists, drew national attention to the segregation issues within the local education system. In 1845, petitions from Nantucket, including one written by Ross, led to the Massachusetts State House passing a law that guaranteed legal access to public schools for every child in the Commonwealth.

Despite her achievements, Ross faced significant barriers. Although she passed the entrance exam for Nantucket High School, she was denied admission due to her race, a decision made at the 1840 town meeting. In protest, the black community closed the African school and boycotted the newly built segregated school on York Street for nearly two years, marking what may have been one of the first school boycotts in American history.

The meeting also commemorated Ross's contributions by awarding her a posthumous honorary diploma during Nantucket High School's graduation in 2024, 180 years after she was barred from attending. This recognition serves as a reminder of the struggles faced by Ross and her community in their pursuit of equality in education.

While much of Eunice Ross's later life remains undocumented, her legacy continues to resonate in Nantucket. The meeting underscored the importance of remembering and honoring figures like Ross, who fought for civil rights and paved the way for future generations. As Nantucket reflects on its history, the discussions at this meeting highlight the ongoing relevance of these issues in the community today.