Editing Lucy Webb Hayes (section)

== Views on race ==
Lucy Hayes was an advocate for [[African Americans]] both before and after the [[American Civil War|Civil War]].<ref name=":3" /> She remained in contact with her family's former slaves, and employed some. Winnie Monroe, a former slave freed by Lucy's mother Maria, eventually moved to the White House with the Hayes family as a cook and nurse. Later, Lucy would encourage Winnie's daughter Mary Monroe to attend [[Oberlin College|Oberlin]].<ref name=":1" />

The Hayes were so known for their sympathy towards African Americans that a month after they returned to [[Cincinnati]] from [[Columbus, Ohio|Columbus]], a black baby was left on their doorstep.<ref name=":1" />

In 1861, Lucy wrote to her husband, "if a contraband [runaway slave] is in Camp--- don't let the 23rd Regiment be disgraced by returning [him or her]."<ref name=":1" />

As [[First Lady of the United States|First Lady]], Lucy invited [[African Americans|African-American]] performers to the White House. In 1878, [[Marie Selika Williams]] (1849–1937), also known as Madame Selika, appeared at the White House. Introduced by [[Frederick Douglass]], Madame Selika was the first African-American professional musician to appear at the White House.<ref name=":2" />