Marshall in Harrison County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Melvin B. Tolson
While at Wiley College, Tolson taught English and Speech, created an award-winning debate team, co-founded the Intercollegiate Southern Association of Dramatic and Speech Arts, directed the theater club and coached junior varsity football. The debate team, the Wiley Forensic Society, packed venues and won many high-profile debates, including the 1933 defeat of England’s Oxford University and the 1935 defeat of the University of Southern California, the year’s national champions. Several of Tolson’s students became influential civil rights activists, including James L. Farmer, Jr., Fred Lewis and Heman Sweatt.
Tolson’s passion and eloquence transferred to his own writings. From 1937 to 1944, Tolson wrote a regular column in the Washington Tribune called “Caviar and Cabbages,” a series largely based on African American life. Tolson left Wiley College for Langston University in Oklahoma in 1947. His poetry and writings continued to receive acclaim and he served as Mayor of Langston from 1954 to 1962. Tolson died on August 29, 1966, but will forever be remembered as an incredible orator, writer and educator who inspired others to prevail.
Erected 2014 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 17910.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Education.
Location. 32° 32.232′ N, 94° 22.603′ W. Marker is in Marshall, Texas, in Harrison County. Marker can be reached from the intersection of Wiley Avenue and University Avenue. The marker is located at the Wiley College, in front of Thirkield Hall. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 711 Wiley Ave, Marshall TX 75670, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Matthew W. Dogan, Sr. (within shouting distance of this marker); Wiley College (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); James Leonard Farmer, Sr. (about 400 feet away); H. B. Pemberton (approx. 0.2 miles away); Ebenezer Methodist Church (approx. 0.4 miles away); Starr Family Home (approx. half a mile away); a different marker also named Starr Family Home (approx. half a mile away); Kahn Memorial Hospital (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Marshall.
Credits. This page was last revised on September 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 15, 2023, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. This page has been viewed 53 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 15, 2023, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.