The Work of the Afro-American Woman
The Work of the Afro-American Woman (1894)
Gertrude Mossell
The Ohio State University Rare Books and Manuscripts Library
E185.86 .M65 1908b
Gertrude Mossell was a writer, journalist, and activist for both women's rights and Black Americans' rights. Her work as a journalist included advocating for Black newspapers and encouraging women to enter into careers in journalism. She was a Black woman author in a time period where only a handful of Black woman authors were being published or even considered.
This volume of Mossell's works includes both prose and verse writings, where she highlights the achievements of Black women in a range of fields. She supported herself and her children with her career. The title page includes a portrait of Mossell and her two daughters, exemplifying her love for her children. The fabric cover with an imprinted title design is small and easily readable and accessible. This book was designed with the intention of being read by many people and to give a voice to a minority author. The Work of the Afro-American Woman is a great example of a woman pursuing a career on her own and succeeding. Her works showcase the lives of Black Americans while also highlighting Mossell's writing skills.
The pictures above include examples of Gertrude's prose and verse writings within the book.