Gertrude Schalk facts for kids

Gertrude Schalk (born 1906, died 1977) was an important African-American writer. She was also a newspaper columnist, a leader in community groups, and a newspaper editor. Many people knew her as Toki Schalk Johnson. Even though she didn't live in New York City, her early stories are sometimes linked to the Harlem Renaissance. This was a big movement for Black artists and writers.

Growing Up

Gertrude Schalk was born in Boston, Massachusetts. Her birth name was Lillian Schalk. Her parents were Theodore O. Schalk and Mary Wilkerson Schalk. She had a sister named Bali and two brothers, Theodore and George. When she was older, she changed her first name to Gertrude.

Her Work as a Writer and Editor

Gertrude Schalk wrote several short stories. Four of her stories were published in a magazine called Saturday Evening Quill. This magazine was part of the Saturday Evening Quill Club. This club was a Black literary group in Boston. Gertrude Schalk was one of its first members.

Her stories included "The Black Madness" (1928) and "The Red Cape" (1929). "The Black Madness" was even chosen for a special book. It was featured in The Best American Short Stories for 1928.

Schalk also worked as an editor. She was the editor of Sunburst magazine. Later, she became the women's editor for the Pittsburgh Courier. This was a very important African-American newspaper. She wrote a regular newspaper column called "Toki Types." This column appeared in the newspaper's society pages until 1974.

Joining the Press Club

In 1961, Gertrude Schalk made history. She became one of the first Black members of the Women's Press Club of Pittsburgh. Another Black woman, Hazel Garland, joined with her. In 1969, Schalk won the club's Mary Shine Award. This award recognized her great work. The next year, in 1970, she was elected president of the club.

Her Community Life

In 1946, Gertrude Schalk married John Wesley Johnson III. He was also a journalist. Sadly, he passed away in 1969.

While living in Pittsburgh, Gertrude Schalk was very active in her community. She started the Pittsburgh chapter of Jack and Jill of America. This is an organization for children and families. She also helped to start the Pittsburgh chapter of Girlfriends Incorporated.

For the last five years of her life, she lived in a nursing home. This was in Detroit, Michigan, where her sister lived. She passed away in 1977 at the age of 71.