No one is better than you Edith Renfrow Smith and the power of a mother's words

Monique McLay Shore

Book - 2023

"Edith Renfrow Smith was born in Grinnell, Iowa, in 1914 to one of the few Black families in the area. The fifth of six children raised by Lee and Eva Pearl Renfrow, her mother was the driving force in the lives of the children and helped each believe they could overcome adversity. Despite poverty and racial obstacles, all would attend college and have successful careers. In 1937, Edith became the first Black woman to graduate from Grinnell College. In Chicago she raised her family, taught, volunteered and continued to inspire everyone she met. Her ties to the community of Grinnell and Grinnell College remained strong throughout her century-plus of life. Renfrow Hall (2024) on the Grinnell College campus is named in her honor. Her brig...ht spirit and belief in the good in all people, along with her adage that "No one is better than you" is a message that more people need to hear." -- Back cover. more