In 1902, a painting of President Abraham Lincoln with Sojourner Truth was exhibited in the White House. The image depicted the 1864 meeting of the two historic figures — a powerful encounter between the man most credited for freeing slaves and a freed slave herself.

Although she probably did not know it at the time, the woman behind the paintbrush, Charlotte “Lottie” Wilson, of Niles, would eventually come to resemble the historic icon she portrayed in her painting.

This fall, Wilson’s descendants, many of whom still live in Niles, will honor her legacy as she is inducted into the Michigan Women’s Hall of Fame.

“I think [the award] brings some long overdue recognition to a woman who really stepped out of the traditional role — the fact that she was African American, the fact that she was a woman and was still able to be so successful,” said Niles History Center Director Christina Arseneau.

In addition to being the first-known African American artist to have work displayed in the White House, Wilson was the first African American woman to graduate from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

In her time, Wilson was not only an esteemed artist, but a champion for civil rights and women’s equality. In her spare time from her professional career, Wilson spent a lot of time advocating for women’s rights. During the Progressive Era, Wilson hosted talks on women’s progress at several churches and art studios.

Historians say her true passion, though, was for civil rights, with an emphasis on African-American women.

Wilson lived in various cities throughout the country before returning to her hometown of Niles, where she exhibited artwork and taught until her death on Jan. 16, 1914. She is buried at Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles with her parents and children.

“She was born with this extraordinary artistic talent, but her personal success with the campaign for civil rights is really remarkable,” Arseneau said.

Arseneau and Niles History Center Assistant Director Mollie Kruck nominated Wilson for the award, and she was among five women selected to be added to the Hall of Fame this year.

“It’s unusual because this was her first nomination. Typically it takes a few years for people to be accepted,” Arseneau said. “She was accepted the first time.”

At a ceremony at the Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center in Lansing Oct. 19, Wilson will be inducted along with four other historical honorees, and five total contemporary women. Those receiving the honor in 2016 include Wilson, Diana Ross, Dr. Anan Ameri, Lou Anna Simon, Dr. Olivia Letts, Rev. Faith Fowler, Elizabeth Sparks Adams, Daisy Elliot, Dr. Evelyn Golden, The Mary Free Bed Guild and Court of Appeals Judge Damon J. Keith.

The Niles History Center plans to host a celebration after Wilson is inducted this fall.

Until then, museum patrons can view “President Lincoln with a Former Slave,” at the Fort St. Joseph Museum and learn all about the powerful Niles woman who created it.