Born: 2 May 1902, United States
Died: 26 October 1989
Country most active: United States
Also known as: NA
The following bio was written by Emma Rosen, author of On This Day She Made History: 366 Days With Women Who Shaped the World and This Day In Human Ingenuity & Discovery: 366 Days of Scientific Milestones with Women in the Spotlight, and has been republished with permission.
Mabel Hampton was a prominent American lesbian activist and dancer during the Harlem Renaissance and played a vital role in Black and LGBTQ+ organizations, most notably the Lesbian Herstory Archives. In the 1920s, she danced alongside Harlem Renaissance stars and sang at various venues. As demand for her performances waned, she transitioned to work as a cleaning woman and formed a close friendship with Joan Nestle.
In 1932, she began a loving relationship with Lillian B. Foster, lasting 46 years. Hampton actively supported American soldiers during World War II and became involved in the gay and lesbian rights movement. She contributed to the Lesbian Herstory Archives and other LGBTQ+ organizations. Despite her modest income, she also supported various causes, attended performances, and marched in the 1979 National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights.
Mabel Hampton openly declared her lesbian identity and advocated for freedom and equality in various public appearances, including speaking at the New York City Lesbian and Gay Pride Parade in 1984. In 1985, she was named grand marshal for the New York City Gay Pride March and received a lifetime achievement award from the National Coalition of Black Lesbians and Gays. She continued sharing her personal stories until her passing from pneumonia on October 26, 1989.