Mary Ellen Pleasant, often called the mother of California’s civil rights movement, whose generosity helped shape the early growth of Saint Mary’s. / Photo courtesy SMC Archives

A Black History Month Tribute: The Mary Ellen Pleasant Study Room

A message to the Saint Mary's Community

by Roger J. Thompson, EdD, President | February 4, 2026

In recognition of Black History Month—and as our first update on the Saint Albert Hall Library Modernization project now underway—I am pleased to share that a new group study space in the renovated library will be named the Mary Ellen Pleasant Study Room, honoring this pioneering civil rights leader and early benefactress of Saint Mary’s College.

Often called the mother of California’s civil rights movement, Mary Ellen Pleasant built a remarkable life devoted to justice and community. In the late 19th century, when Saint Mary’s prepared to relocate from San Francisco to Oakland, she was among the donors who helped make the new campus possible; after a devastating fire in 1894, she again contributed to the College’s rebuilding. Her broader legacy includes support for the Underground Railroad, advocacy against discrimination in San Francisco’s transit system, and the creation of spaces that lifted Black voices and learning. Naming a study room for Mary Ellen Pleasant is a long-overdue acknowledgment of her generosity and impact—on our region and on Saint Mary’s.

Her broader legacy includes support for the Underground Railroad, advocacy against discrimination in San Francisco’s transit system, and the creation of spaces that lifted Black voices and learning.

Our library modernization will deliver a state-of-the-art learning environment for our students, with upgraded study rooms among the most sought-after spaces. The Mary Ellen Pleasant Study Room will feature interpretive materials that introduce her life and contributions, inviting students to encounter her story as part of their daily academic work. As construction progresses, we will continue to share milestones and features of the renewed Saint Albert Hall.

The Black Experience Collection: Digital and Print Resources

This moment also aligns with the growth of our Black Experience Collection, a curated set of print and digital resources that highlight Black history, literature, scholarship, and culture. A key component is our subscription to ProQuest’s Black Studies database, including historical archives from the Black press. When Saint Albert Hall reopens, the collection will be displayed on the third floor near the Mary Ellen Pleasant Study Room, creating a meaningful connection between her legacy and contemporary research. Until then, the collection—and full library services—are available at the Power Plant, our temporary library location.

Mary Ellen Pleasant’s example reflects values at the heart of our Lasallian mission: respect for all persons, inclusive community, quality education, faith in the presence of God, and concern for the poor and social justice. I invite you to learn more about her life, explore the Black Experience Collection, and join me in honoring the visionaries who helped shape our College and our common good.

Thank you for all you do for Saint Mary’s.

Sincerely,

Roger J. Thompson, EdD
President