She moved to California during the Gold Rush with husband Joseph Scott, who shortly died after settling, forcing her to raise their son Oliver alone.

He bought his freedom and moved west to California during the Gold Rush where he worked as a laborer and tradesman.

Isaac Flood made a fortune on real estate in the area and they both were advocates of African American civil rights and education.

In 1857, they had a son named George Francis Flood who is considered "the first colored child" born in Oakland.

[4][5][6] The same year, Scott established another private school from their home at 1334 East 15th Street for African Americans and non-white children, including Lydia Flood.

[5][2] Because of his advocacy, Lydia Flood was the first African American student to attend integrated John Swett School in 1872.

She also acknowledged the suffragists who paved the way and made reference to Oakland's namesake oak trees,[11] saying: "Who can break through a phalanx of determined, noble-minded, upright women, backed by the power of the Holy Spirit?

Suffrage stands out as one of the component factors of democracy; suffrage is one of the most powerful levers by which we hope to elevate our women to the highest planes of life...Lucretia Mott, Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton saw by an eye of faith this gleaming field sixty years ago, and their determination, true judgement and executive ability has made it possible for you and me to sit in the shade of the Suffrage Oak, a grand old tree, whose branches will soon top every State in the Union.