Here's a fascinating short piece on a forgotten person from my hometown.
By Ryan Reed Inez C. Parker circa 1902 Inez Corene Parker was an African-American writer from Rolla, Missouri whose verse was wi
"Parker’s first professionally published poem was “Hope” which appeared in a Chicago literary journal circa 1898. The publication of the poem was the result of a contest held by the journal. Over forty individuals, all of whom were white, submitted entries. After the publication of “Hope”, Parker was contacted by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch and asked write verses for publication. In 1899, five of Parker’s poems were published in the newspaper. "
....
"After 1910, mentions of Parker and her writings in national publication virtually vanish. In 1910, she is listed in the federal census as living with her mother and earning money through elocution recitals. By 1920, she is still living with her mother at Fourth and Cedar Streets. At the time, Harold Griggs was boarding with the Parkers. Within a few years, Griggs and Parker were married. Harold worked as a janitor and Inez is continually listed as doing “house work” after their marriage. After the death of her mother in 1929, the Griggs continued to live at Forth and Cedar Street until the death of Inez on December 20, 1950."
I jog past that spot from time to time. There's no plaque. I never knew.
