Anita Cornwell facts for kids

Anita Cornwell (September 23, 1923 – May 27, 2023) was an important American author. In 1983, she wrote a special book called Black Lesbian in White America. This book was the first collection of essays by an African-American woman about her experiences.

About Anita Cornwell

Early Life and Education

Anita Cornwell was born in Greenwood, South Carolina. When she was 16, she moved to Pennsylvania. She lived with her aunt in Yeadon at first. Later, she moved to Philadelphia to live with her mother. Her mother had moved north when Anita was 18 years old. Anita also had an older brother.

Anita loved to learn. She went to Temple University. In 1948, she earned a degree in journalism and social sciences. This helped her become a writer.

Her Career and Writings

After college, Anita Cornwell worked as a journalist. She wrote for local newspapers. She also worked as a clerical worker for government offices.

Anita started writing early in her life. In the 1950s, some of her first articles were published. These appeared in magazines like The Ladder and The Negro Digest. Her writings were special because they shared the experiences of African-American women. Her work also appeared in other publications. These included Feminist Review and the Los Angeles Free Press.

Her Important Book

On October 1, 1983, Anita Cornwell published her first book. It was called Black Lesbian in White America. This book was a collection of her essays. It also included an interview with another important activist, Audre Lorde. This book was very important. It was the first collection of essays by an African-American woman sharing her unique perspective.

Later Life and Recognition

Anita Cornwell was honored for her work. In 2000, she was recognized at the Annual Lambda Literary Festival. This event took place in Philadelphia.

Anita Cornwell lived a long and full life. She passed away on May 27, 2023. She was 99 years old. Her writings continue to be important today.