Born: 1876 (Bureau County, Illinois)
Died: 1908
Biography:
Elizabeth Gertrude Suggs, better known as Eliza Suggs, was an African American author and activist who rose to prominence in the 19th century. Born on December 11, 1876, in Bureau County, Illinois, she was the youngest of four daughters of James and Malinda Suggs. Both of her parents had been born into slavery, with James in North Carolina and Malinda in Alabama. They met while working on a Mississippi plantation, where Malinda had four children from a previous relationship.
James Suggs had served as a soldier in the American Civil War, first in Company I of the 55th United States Colored Troops, where he was wounded, and later in Company C of the 59th United States Colored Troops until the end of the war. After the war, James worked as a blacksmith, farmer, and laborer before becoming a preacher in the Free Methodist Church in 1873. The Suggs family moved around, living in Mississippi, Illinois, and Kansas before finally settling in Harlan County, Nebraska.
Eliza’s life was overshadowed by her physical impairment. At birth, she appeared to be a normal baby, but soon her parents noticed something was amiss. At just four weeks old, Eliza broke a limb, and this was followed by more broken bones as she grew. Diagnosed with osteogenesis imperfecta, also known as brittle bone disease, Eliza’s bones were incredibly fragile and would break even with the gentlest of movements.
Throughout her early years, Eliza’s severe physical disability limited her mobility. While her peers could play and have fun, she spent her days sitting in a carriage, gazing out the window, watching others live a more physically active life. When Eliza was around five or six years old, her parents even had burial clothes made for her, believing that her fragile condition would soon lead to her passing away. However, to their surprise, Eliza defied expectations and lived into early adulthood.
As Eliza grew older, medical knowledge and techniques slowly improved, enabling doctors to better understand her condition. Despite her physical limitations, Eliza was determined to create a meaningful life for herself. She saw education as her path to empowerment and took every opportunity to learn. Against all odds, she managed to obtain an education, which was a remarkable achievement for an African American woman in the late 19th century.
Eliza Suggs became known as a temperance lecturer. She wholeheartedly embraced the temperance movement, advocating for abstinence from alcohol and its harmful effects on individuals and society. Suggs used her platform as a speaker to raise awareness about the dangers of alcohol abuse and to promote moral and social reform. Her powerful speeches captivated audiences, who admired her resilience and dedication to the cause. Despite her physical limitations, she refused to let her disability define her, and instead, she channeled her energy into advocating for change.
The little that is known about Eliza Suggs can be found in her book, Shadow and Sunshine, which was published in 1906. This autobiography sheds light on her personal experiences, struggles, and triumphs, offering a glimpse into the life of a remarkable woman who overcame immense challenges.
Eliza Suggs’ influence on society cannot be understated. As an African American woman with a severe physical disability, she shattered societal expectations and stereotypes. Her determination to obtain an education and contribute to social reform paved the way for future generations of African American women, demonstrating the power of resilience and advocacy.
Despite her accomplishments and impact, Eliza Suggs’ life was tragically cut short. She passed away on January 29, 1908, at the age of 31. Her legacy, however, lives on as a testament to the indomitable spirit of women who defy all odds to make a difference in the world.