The father and son poets, Jos. S. Cotter, Sr. and Jr., have produced verse matter that stands among the best in the country among Colored writers. Information regarding the works of these composers will be found else-where in this book. But a praiseworthy mention regarding Jos. S. Cotter, Jr., who died in his early twenties and for several years before that had been confined on a bed of affliction, should be made herein. While other poets have had their health, strength and vigor to do their work, young Cotter was suffering almost constant pain in bed while turning out his poetry that came from the depths of his patient soul, and ring as true as a pure-cast bell.
Georgia Douglas Johnson was born in Atlanta, Ga., was educated in the public schools and at the Atlanta University after which she took a course of music at the Oberlin Conservatory. Her first book, “The Heart of a Woman and Other Poems” with an introduction by William Stanley Braithwaite, was published by the Cornhill Co. of Boston, Mass., three years ago; her second book, “An Autumn Love Cycle,” will be out shortly. Her third book, “Shadow Song” is entirely different to the other two, being entirely racial, treated in the over-tone style of suggestion. This book will appear some months after the “Love Cycle.” The above quotation is in part an editorial note that appeared in the May 1921 issue of Music and Poetry. The high standard and amazing numbers of Mrs. Johnson’s verses that appear in leading magazines are attracting wide attention and have already placed her in a class among the leading Colored writers before the public today.
Claude McKay, a poet of international reputation, enjoys the honor of being one of the first Colored writers to be made an associate editor on the staff of a white national magazine--The Liberator, which is published in New York City. Mr. McKay has for several years been writing poetry for many of the leading magazines in Europe as well as for Colored and white periodicals in America. His book, “Spring in New Hampshire and Other Poems” has brought forth high literary comment from verse critics in both countries.
“Miscellaneous Poems” and “Sketches of Southern Life” are two titles covering some of the verses produced by the poetess, Frances E. Harper, who also wrote first quality prose. Jas. E. McGirth wrote “Some Simple Songs” and other verse matter that has stood the test of the best critics.