She is a poet and writer who inspired other legendary poets like Maya Angelou and Nikki Giovanni. In honor of Black History Month, 13abc is taking a look back at the extraordinary life of Mari Evans
Evans was born on July 16, 1923.
Founder and CEO of the African American Legacy Project Robert Smith says, "Ms. Evans came along at a period where opportunity didn't necessarily distinguish itself, but she had a dream, she had a goal, and she didn't let anyone deny her of that dream."
Evans had a dream of becoming a writer and a poet. After she graduated from the University of Toledo, she left the Glass City to pursue her calling.
In 1970, Evans wrote a poem called "I Am a Black Woman.
The second stanza reads, "I am a black woman, tall as a cypress, strong beyond all definition, still defying place and time and circumstance assailed, impervious, indestructible."
Evans would go on to write several books, children's books and four plays.
She has received countless awards for her literary works. In 1997, she was celebrated with her own photo on a Ugandan postage stamp.
"When you're talking about the 20s and the 30s, to have the guts, the fortitude, to decide first as an African American female to leave your home and venture out and say ‘I can,' says Smith. "A young woman and a young man needs to know determination, will, and dedication can lead you to great things. That's what you take away from Ms. Evans."
Evans is 88 years old and lives in Indianapolis.
The African American Legacy Project is located on Upton Avenue. If you'd like to donate or book a tour, visit africanamericanlegacy.org.
Wednesday, May 23 2012 10:40 PM EDT2012-05-24 02:40:50 GMT
Federal, state and local law enforcement officials are coming together this afternoon to announce an indictment related to the searches last year to several IHOP restaurants in Northwest Ohio and Indiana.
The FBI indicted employees from six IHOP locations in the area Wednesday for charges including money laundering, wire fraud, aggravated theft and harboring illegal aliens.
Wednesday, May 23 2012 10:50 PM EDT2012-05-24 02:50:35 GMT
According to the Toledo Police information line Toledo Police have blocked off the intersection of Manhattan Blvd. and Doyle Street as they respond to a possible hostage situation man in the 1000 Block
One man is dead, another on the loose after what police are calling a deadly home invasion. It happened Wednesday afternoon in the 1000 of Bricker in North Toledo.
Wednesday, May 23 2012 10:46 PM EDT2012-05-24 02:46:15 GMT
It's official. Teachers in the Springfield Local school district have a new contract. The board voted unanimously Wednesday night to approve the deal, one day after teachers signed off on it. We're
It's official. Teachers in the Springfield Local school district have a new contract. The board voted unanimously Wednesday night to approve the deal, one day after teachers signed off on it.
Wednesday, May 23 2012 10:37 PM EDT2012-05-24 02:37:36 GMT
You may notice extra fire and police crews in downtown Bowling Green today. Around 9:00 this morning the Wood County emergency planning committee and emergency management agency will hold an You may notice
It might be hard to believe, but it has been nearly two years since tornadoes devastated our area. On the night of June 5, 2010, disaster struck Lake Township, leveling the high school and killing seven people.
Wednesday, May 23 2012 9:12 PM EDT2012-05-24 01:12:33 GMT
They served our nation -- both at home and abroad. And today, our area is giving a big "thank you. to our local veterans" 80 veterans boarded a plane this morning bound for Washington D.C. " I'm very
Eighty area veterans boarded a plane Wednesday morning bound for the Washington D.C. World War II memorial.
Toledo police and the FBI are looking for a suspect in a bank robbery. According to police, an armed man robbed the Huntington Bank on Monroe Street around 3:00 Wednesday afternoon.
Wednesday, May 23 2012 6:49 PM EDT2012-05-23 22:49:50 GMT
It's been three years since an Ottawa Hills police officer shot and paralyzed a motorcyclist. It's a day Michael McCloskey says he'll never forget. "It was a routine traffic stop where I was shot in
It's been three years since an Ottawa Hills police officer shot and paralyzed a motorcyclist. It's a day Michael McCloskey says he'll never forget.
Wednesday, May 23 2012 6:36 PM EDT2012-05-23 22:36:14 GMT
Nearly three years ago, 5-year-old Neveah Buchanan disappeared from her Monroe, Michigan apartment complex parking lot. Eleven days later, her body was found buried on the banks of the River Raisin. There
Nearly three years ago, 5-year-old Neveah Buchanan disappeared from her Monroe, Michigan apartment complex parking lot. For the first time in years, Nevaeh's mother is breaking her silence in an interview with 13abc's Christina Williams.
Wednesday, May 23 2012 5:57 PM EDT2012-05-23 21:57:39 GMT
A 9-year-old Fremont boy can share some great stories with his friends about what he did for spring break this year. Camden Arriaga and his family hit the road for a big adventure at Walt Disney World.
A 9-year-old Fremont boy with Marfan Syndrome shares his memories of a very special trip to Disney world. It was made possible by the Make-A-Wish Foundation and 13abc. Camden shares some of his memories from the trip and pays a behind-the-scenes visit to 13abc.
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