Literature

Carrie Best

*Carrie Best was born on this date in 1903. She was a black Canadian writer, publisher and activist.

From New Glasgow, Nova Scotia, she graduated from high school in the 1920's after which she married her husband Albert Best. Together they had three children, a son Calbert and two girls Sharyn and Berma. Best was extremely involved in the community, raising awareness about human rights issues.

Effie W. Smith

*Effie Waller Smith was born on this date in 1879. She was an African-American educator and poet.

Rodolphe Desdunes

*Rodolphe Desdunes was born on this date in 1849. He was an African-American civic leader, author and scholar.

Rodolphe Lucien Desdunes spent much of his professional life as a clerk with the U.S. Customs Service, but his contribution to history lies in his efforts to promote the achievements of his Blacks and to challenge the legality of Jim Crow laws. On September 5, 1891, he helped to organize the Comite des Citoyens, which backed Homer Plessy's unsuccessful attempt to challenge segregation in public transportation.

Fenton Johnson

*The birth of Fenton Johnson in 1888 is marked on this date. He was an African American poet and writer.

Waring Cuney

*Waring Cuney was born on this date in 1906. He was an African American poet and composer.