African-American novelist, anthropologist and folklorist.
Inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame in 1993.
Pictured on a 37¢ USA commemorative postage stamp in the Literary Arts
series, issued 24 January 2003.
Member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc.
Attended Howard University starting in 1919 before dropping out due to financial difficulties in her senior year.
While working for Fannie Hurst she told her about her experiences as a domestic maid. Hurst took what she heard and incorporated it in her novel "Imitation Of Life".
Graduated from Barnard College, the first African American to do so. Her tuition was partially paid for by Fannie Hurst. Her admission was guaranteed by trustee Annie Nathan Meyer.