Origins & Early Life

Stephanie St. Clair (December 25, 1887 – December 1969) was a racketeer who ran numerous enterprises in Harlem, New York, in the early 20th century. St. Clair resisted the Mafia's interests for several years after Prohibition ended; she became a local legend for her public denunciations of corrupt police and for resisting Mafia control.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

She ran a successful numbers game in Harlem and was an activist for the black community. Her nicknames included: Queenie, Madame Queen, Madame St. Clair and Queen of the Policy Rackets. Stephanie St. Clair was born of African descent in Guadeloupe, French West Indies to a single mother, Félicienne, who worked hard to send her daughter to school.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

According to St. Clair's 1924 Declaration of Intention, she gave Moule GrandeTerre, French West Indies (present-day Guadeloupe, West Indies) as her place of birth. When St. Clair turned 12, her mother became very ill and St. Clair had to leave school. She managed to save some money and, after the death of her mother, left Martinique for Montreal, likely coming as part of the 1910-1911 Caribbean Domestic Scheme, which brought domestic workers to Quebec.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Alphonse Daudet — Contemporary (Died in 1897) (1897): French novelist and short story writer, known for works reflecting life's hardships.
• Amelia Earhart — Contemporary (Born in 1897) (1897): Iconic American aviator whose pioneering flights shaped early 20th-century aviation.
• Andrés Bonifacio — Contemporary (Died in 1897) (1897): Father of the Philippine Revolution, founder of the Katipunan.
• Adam Gilchrist — Contemporary (Born in 1969) (1969): Legendary Australian cricketer, redefining the wicket-keeper-batsman role with aggressive flair.
• Adam Riess — Contemporary (Born in 1969) (1969): Astrophysicist known for evidence of accelerating universe expansion via supernovae.
• Adrian Goldsworthy — Contemporary (Born in 1969) (1969): Prominent British historian specializing in the military aspects of Roman antiquity.
• Adam Mickiewicz — Shared historical date (12-24 · Born) (1798): National Poet of Poland, Romantic master, and leading voice of Slavic literature.
• Alban Berg — Shared historical date (12-24 · Died) (1935): Key figure of the Second Viennese School, blending Romanticism with twelve-tone technique.
• Alexander Archipenko — Historical peer (Born in 1887) (1887): Ukrainian-American avant-garde sculptor, pioneer of Cubist human figures.
• Alexander Borodin — Historical peer (Died in 1887) (1887): Russian Romantic composer, chemist, and physician known for 'Prince Igor' and symphonies.
• 1897 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1897
• December 24 (12-24) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on December 24
• 1969 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1969