Eugenia Collier facts for kids
Eugenia W. Collier (born April 6, 1928) is an American writer. She is famous for her short story "Marigolds", which was published in 1969. This story won the first Gwendolyn Brooks Prize for Fiction that same year. It was the first story Eugenia Collier ever published. She was born in Baltimore, Maryland.
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About Her Famous Story: "Marigolds"
"Marigolds" is one of Eugenia Collier's most well-known stories. It is often found in English textbooks used in high schools. The story takes place during the Great Depression, a time when many people faced hard times.
The story is about a 14-year-old girl named Lizabeth. It describes a special moment when she grows up and learns an important lesson. This is when she first truly understands and feels the pain of another person. The story suggests that you can't be completely innocent and also deeply compassionate at the same time. It's a story often used to help students understand what "coming of age" means.
Other Writings and Works
Eugenia Collier has written many other books and stories. Her collection of short stories, called Breeder and Other Stories, came out in 1993. She also wrote a play named Ricky, which was based on one of her short stories.
She has contributed to other important books, such as Langston Hughes: Black Genius (1991). Her work has also appeared in well-known magazines and newspapers like TV Guide and The New York Times.
Her Life and Education
Eugenia Collier has had a long and successful career in education. She was once the head of the English department at Morgan State University. She also taught at several other universities, including Howard University, the University of Maryland, and Southern Illinois University.
She studied at Howard University and graduated with high honors in 1948. Two years later, she earned her Master's degree from Columbia University. In 1976, she completed her PhD from the University of Maryland.
Family Life
Eugenia Collier married Charles S. Collier in 1950. They had three sons together: Charles M. Collier, Robert N. Collier, and Philip Collier.
After Retirement
Eugenia Collier retired from teaching in 1996. She still lives in Baltimore, Maryland. Even after retiring, she sometimes visits classes to talk about creative writing and share her stories with students.
