EFFIE WALLER SMITH

THE POETS WILL ALWAYS BE PRESENT

 

 

Effie Waller Smith, one of the greatest African American poets of the early twentieth century, was born the third of four children to former slaves, Frank Waller and Sibbie Ratliff. She was lucky enought to attended the Kentucky Normal School for Colored Persons in Frankfort, Kentucky and worked as a teacher for several years. Although the details of her years of an educator are unsure it is important to remember the role of being a black female teacher at this time. She published her first book of poetry, "Songs of the Months," in 1904. In 1909, she published two more books of poetry, "Rhymes of the Cumberland" and "Rosemary and Pansies." Her work last appeared in Harper's magazine in 1917. In the late 1920's, she adopted the daughter of a deceased friend and moved to Wisconsin where she lived the rest of her life. She never published any poetry again. Just like many other poets and writers at this time Effie Waller Smith's work gave us insight into how life was and what she experienced as a black woman of this Era. Effie paved the way and opened the doors for many young aspirirng poets of this time.