Laney Walker in Augusta in Richmond County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)

Frank Garvin Yerby

1916-1991

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, June 10, 2023

1. Frank Garvin Yerby Marker

Inscription. Born in Augusta, Yerby – short story writer, poet, and novelist – earned the B.A. from Paine College and the M.A. from Fisk University. His books, sold in 82 countries, have been translated into more than 30 languages. His 33 novels are said to have sold more copies than all other African-American writers combined.

Yerby was the first African-American novelist to earn a million dollars from his writing; first to reach the best sellers lists; and first to have a novel, The Foxes of Harrow, adapted to a movie by Hollywood studio. Almost all of his novels were Book of the Month Club selections. Twelve were best sellers and four were made into movies. Due to racial discrimination, he moved to France and later to Spain. He challenged detractors who said he abandoned the social struggle to read Speak Now, An Odor of Sanctity, The Dahomean, and The Unplanned Voyage. A member of the Georgia Writers Hall of Fame, his novels continue to be popular, and he continues to be published in various anthologies.

Erected by The Augusta African American Historical Society.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Arts, Letters, Music

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. In addition, it is included in the Georgia - Augusta African-American History Walk series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1916.

Location. 33° 27.957′ N, 81° 58.823′ W. Marker is in Augusta, Georgia, in Richmond County. It is in Laney Walker. Marker is on Laney Walker Boulevard east of 13th Street, on the right when traveling east. Marker is on the Augusta African-American History Walk, in front of A. R. Johnson Health Science and Engineering Magnet School. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1324 Laney Walker Blvd, Augusta GA 30901, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Sidney “Beau Jack” Walker (here, next to this marker); Thelma “Butterfly” McQueen (a few steps from this marker); Atty. Judson Whitlocke Lyons (a few steps from this marker); Rev. Jesse Peters Galphin (a few steps from this marker); Dr. Charles T. Walker (a few steps from this marker); Rev. Samuel Butler Wallace (within shouting distance of this marker); Carrie J. Mays (within shouting distance of this marker); Dr. Channing H. Tobias (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Augusta.

Also see . . . Frank Yerby. His historical novel The Foxes of Harrow was the first novel written by an African-American

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, June 10, 2023

2. Frank Garvin Yerby Marker

Featured marker is first on the right.

to become a best seller. (African American Literature Book Club) (Submitted on June 29, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

Credits. This page was last revised on June 29, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 29, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 83 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 29, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.