African American Poet. 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 attended the Kentucky Normal School for Colored Persons in Frankfort, Kentucky and worked as a teacher for several years. 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.
African American Poet. 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 attended the Kentucky Normal School for Colored Persons in Frankfort, Kentucky and worked as a teacher for several years. 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.
Bio by: Midnight Believer
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