About
Our Mission
Carved in Ebony provides educational resources and apparel that increase awareness about black history. Discover guides, workbooks, courses and more to raise awareness around the lives and work of trailblazing black men and women whose stories are often overlooked.
Our Name
Meet Amanda Berry Smith
Amanda Berry Smith was one of Samuel and Mariam Berry’s fourteen children. Born into slavery, her freedom was soon purchased by her hardworking father. Both of Amanda’s parents could read and used the skill to read the Bible to their young family. Amanda's father was also involved with the Underground Railroad.Amanda suffered through two difficult marriages and was widowed twice. She bore several children but only one was able to survive until adulthood.
Despite her hardships, she pursued a life of ministry so robust that she was often called "God's image carved in ebony."
In July of 1872, she attended a church missions day where missionaries from India, China, Japan, and South America shared their experiences overseas. By 1880, Amanda had ministered in England, Scotland, India, and South Africa. In India and Africa, her ministry efforts focused on orphans – a calling that carried back into her life stateside.
She would found the Amanda Smith Orphanage and Industrial Home for Abandoned and Destitute Colored Children with funds from the autobiography she wrote about her life of ministry.
