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Black History
Ephraim David
Tyler- “Shreveport Poet Laureate”
Professor
Willie Burton- Southern University
Color Does Not
Make The Man
I am glad to
meet a person who is black,
Who is
conscious of his color, and appreciates that fact.
I am glad
to meet a person who is glad that he is white,
Every
person has some color, any color is all right.
I am glad
to meet all people, when they strictly understand,
That
character makes the person, color does not make the man.
(This poem by
Ephraim Tyler appeared in a 1942 issue of the Sepia Socialite- Negro
national periodical)
Ephraim
David Tyler was often referred to as the “Rustic Poet” and
“Shreveport’s Poet Laureate.” He was born in 1884. As a youth, he
developed a love for poetry, of rural scenes, rural life, and rural
people. He wroth extensively about everyday life, patriotism, and
citizenship.
For over
65 years, Tyler wrote poetry for individuals, groups, and
publications. He recited his work in school and municipal auditoriums,
on street corners, at church meetings and conventions. It was not
uncommon to meet
Tyler
reading and writing poetry for both black and white enthusiasts on
Texas Street, Milam Street, or in churchyards of the Allendale or
Lakeside sections of town. At times he would charge 25 cents for
individual poems, but often he recited them free, especially for
children.
His
talent was heard and witnessed as far away as Chicago, Illinois at
national conventions. In 1943-44 he spent 14 months in California
reciting his poetry to clubs and schools, in mixed and predominantly
white or black churches, and to religious, political, fraternal, and
other groups. He appeared on radio in California and at home, and
published books of poetry that were read by thousands of black and
white Americans. During World War II, copies of one of his books,
containing 90 of his poems, were given to recruits, often by Tyler
himself.
Tyler was
an active church and fraternal worker. He was a deacon of Evergreen
Missionary Baptist Church and a member of the Most Worshipful
Universal Grand Lodge A.F. & A.M. In 1968, he was honored with a
public reading of his poems by international playwright and actor,
Ossie Davis.
An
anthology by Tyler’s poems provides a good insight into the social and
civic side of Shreveport in those days. It will also provide blacks in
the nation with an affinity for another that can only be felt by
people seeking a kind of freedom that reaches beyond all boundaries.
Tyler wrote about his experience, personal views, and racial problems.
He was the black man’s reprimand, the area’s conscience, and young
children’s teacher.
Ephraim
Tyler resided at
2010 Logan
Street,
where he passed away on June 29, 1969.
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