Lillian J.B. Fox: First African-American Writer for a White Newspaper in Indiana

1 Posted by - November 30, 2023 - BLACK WOMEN, LATEST POSTS

Lillian J. B. Thomas Fox was an African-American journalist and club-woman active in Progressive Era Indianapolis. She rose to prominence in the 1880s and 1890s as a civic leader and writer for the Indianapolis Freeman, a leading national black newspaper at the time, and the later joined the Indianapolis News as Indiana’s first black columnist for a white newspaper.

Fox was born in 1854 in Chicago, she was the oldest child of the Rev. Byrd Parker, pastor of Quinn African Methodist Episcopal Church, and schoolteacher Jane Janette Johnson. After the death of her father, Fox moved with her mother to Indianapolis in 1885. She soon became a highly acclaimed state and national public speaker. In 1891, Fox was hired as a reporter and correspondent editor for the Indianapolis Freeman, a nationally prominent black newspaper.

Throughout the years, Fox became a well-known speaker and activist, founding the Indianapolis Women’s Improvement Club and the Indiana State Federation of Colored Women’s Clubs, as well as becoming involved in national organizations.

Fox was especially an advocate for improving access to public health and fighting tuberculosis within the Indiana black community. Her pioneering column in the Indianapolis News, “News of the Colored Folk.” Her regular column featured nearly 16,000 black Hoosiers then living in Indianapolis. The column ran for 15 years from 1900 to 1915 before her she retired for health reasons.  She was the first African-American writer for a white newspaper in Indiana. In 2014, Fox was inducted into the Indiana Journalism Hall of Fame.

 

source:

http://mediaschool.indiana.edu/ijhf/fox-lillian-thomas

9 Comments

  • last day on earth May 16, 2019 - 9:38 am

    I have observed that in the world these days, video games would be the latest rage with kids of all ages. Many times it may be impossible to drag the kids away from the games. If you want the very best of both worlds, there are several educational video games for kids. Thanks for your post.

  • block city wars free May 22, 2019 - 6:54 am

    I have observed that in the world nowadays, video games are classified as the latest craze with kids of all ages. Occasionally it may be out of the question to drag the kids away from the activities. If you want the best of both worlds, there are numerous educational games for kids. Thanks for your post.

  • gamefly free trial May 28, 2019 - 1:05 am

    I’m gone to say to my little brother, that he should also pay
    a quick visit this blog on regular basis to
    obtain updated from newest news update.

  • how to get help in windows 10 May 29, 2019 - 12:06 am

    I am not sure where you’re getting your info, but great topic.
    I needs to spend some time learning much more or understanding more.
    Thanks for great information I was looking for this information for my
    mission.

  • Rebsoli May 31, 2019 - 3:25 pm

    Cialis At Discount Prices Order Tamoxifen Uk How To Get Zoloft Without Prescription When Amoxicillin Takes Effect

  • gamefly free trial June 4, 2019 - 1:07 am

    Excellent article. I’m facing a few of these issues as well..

  • gamefly free trial June 6, 2019 - 2:54 am

    We absolutely love your blog and find most of your post’s to be just what
    I’m looking for. Do you offer guest writers to write content available for you?

    I wouldn’t mind writing a post or elaborating on some
    of the subjects you write about here. Again, awesome weblog!

  • Rebsoli June 12, 2019 - 4:17 am

    Generic Hydrochlorothiazide Tablet Without Perscription Propecia Schwanger Werden cialis 5mg Glyburide

  • krunker aimbot June 16, 2019 - 4:01 pm

    I’m impressed, I have to admit. Genuinely rarely should i encounter a weblog that’s both educative and entertaining, and let me tell you, you may have hit the nail about the head. Your idea is outstanding; the problem is an element that insufficient persons are speaking intelligently about. I am delighted we came across this during my look for something with this.