Author
Mary White Ovington
1865-1951
Mary White Ovington (1865-1951) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
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Books by Mary White Ovington
Half a Man: The Status of the Negro in New York
"Half a Man: The Status of the Negro in New York" by Mary White Ovington is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The book explores the social and economic conditions of African Americans in New York City, highlighting the persistent racism and obstacles they faced despite being emancipated. Ovington aims to debunk the misconception that Negroes have had equal opportunities, emphasizing their struggles in a society that often treated them as inferior. The opening of the work sets the tone for the exploration of the Negro's status, beginning with the author’s encounter with a young colored man, who encapsulates the sentiment of being "half a man" in America. It transitions into a historical analysis of the status of Negroes from the colonial era to the early 1900s, discussing their transitions from slavery to freedom. The author outlines significant events and societal attitudes that shaped the lives of African Americans in New York, laying the foundation for a deeper examination of their living conditions, labor market participation, and ongoing discrimination as the chapters unfold.
The Shadow
"The Shadow" by Mary White Ovington is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around complex emotional and societal issues within the southern United States, featuring characters like Judge George Ogilvie and his wife, whose lives are transformed by a sudden crisis involving a child. The narrative delves into themes of shame, identity, and the consequences of past actions intertwined with the struggles of race and societal status. The opening of the novel sets a heavy and contemplative tone, as it depicts Judge Ogilvie grappling with the death of a man who brought disgrace to his family, prompting a moral dilemma about justice and revenge. In a parallel emotional track, the narrative introduces his daughter Lillias, who is recovering from a traumatic experience herself. As Judge Ogilvie navigates his conflicting feelings towards the deceased man and his daughter, we also meet the characters from Merryvale, a place filled with history and a changing dynamic between black and white communities. The turmoil created by societal norms and individual burdens lays the groundwork for a deep exploration of the challenges faced by the characters as they confront personal and communal identities.
Hazel
"Hazel" by Mary White Ovington is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around Hazel Tyler, a young girl of color, who navigates her life in a racially divided society after moving from Boston to Alabama to live with her grandmother. The narrative explores themes of childhood innocence, race, and familial love as Hazel adjusts to her new environment while grappling with her identity. The opening portion of "Hazel" introduces us to the main character, a young girl named Hazel Tyler, who is stuck inside on a rainy day and longs for a more exciting life. As she interacts with her mother and peers, her thoughts reveal her preoccupations with clothes and the struggles of her family's financial situation following her father's death. We witness her imaginative play with a friend as they act out a Bible story, showcasing Hazel's creativity and her desire to escape reality. The contrasting dynamics of her home life, alongside her aspirations for a brighter future, set the stage for the broader journey Hazel will undertake as she moves to Alabama, leading to critical reflections on her place in a racially stratified society.
How the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People Began
"How the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People Began" by Mary White Ovington is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The book chronicles the formation and early activities of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) in response to racial injustices in the United States. It captures the socio-political climate of the time, particularly following the race riots in Springfield, Illinois, and provides insights into the activism that laid the groundwork for civil rights movements. In this detailed narrative, Ovington recounts her collaboration with key figures such as William English Walling and Dr. Henry Moskowitz, highlighting initial meetings that led to the NAACP's creation. The book emphasizes the urgency of the organization's mission as it sought to address deep-seated racial discrimination and advocate for civil rights. By organizing conferences, issuing calls for action, and partnering with prominent social reformers, the NAACP aimed to amplify the voices of African Americans and foster a society grounded in equality and justice. Ovington also reflects on the collective efforts, including establishing the publication of "The Crisis," which served as a platform for advocacy and discourse on racial issues.