Metropolis in Massac County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Annie Turnbo Malone: 18691957
After moving to St. Louis in the early 1900s, Malone developed and sold hair products for African-American women. By the time of the Great Depression, she was a multi-millionaire and philanthropist. Because Malone was committed to community development, she established Pore College in St. Louis, which offered cosmetology training and created 75,000 jobs for its graduates, giving them self-respect and economic independence during the Depression Era.
To this day, Annie Turnbo Malone is remembered in St. Louis through the community work of the Annie Malone Children and Family Service Center, a historical society established in her honor, and a parade each May. Malone is depicted in the 2019 documentary No Lye, an American Beauty Story, which tells the story of the rise and decline of the ethnic beauty industry.
While Annie Turnbo Malone left Metropolis to achieve great things, her older sibling, John Turnbo, stayed in Metropolis and became a turn-of-the-20th century entrepreneur. In 1898, he became the first African-American alderman elected in the city of Metropolis.
Erected 2023 by Pettus-Rowland Funeral Home and the Illinois State Historical Society.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Charity & Public Work • Industry & Commerce • Women. In addition, it is included in the Illinois State Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 2019.
Location. 37° 9.129′ N, 88° 43.929′ W. Marker is in Metropolis, Illinois, in Massac County. Marker is on Market Street north of West 5th Street, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 516 Market St, Metropolis IL 62960, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Oscar Micheaux: 18841951 (here, next to this marker); The Cowling (a few steps from this marker); Honoring All Our Defenders of Freedom (within shouting distance of this marker); Superman Statue Facts (within shouting distance of this marker); Super Heroes (within shouting distance of this marker); Looking Back Through Time (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Metropolis Fire Department History (about 600 feet away); Southern Magnolia (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Metropolis.
More about this marker. Marker, along with the Oscar Michaeux marker (which is on the back), was dedicated on August 7, 2023.
Credits. This page was last revised on September 29, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 29, 2023, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. This page has been viewed 79 times since then and 32 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 29, 2023, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.