Mary E. Mebane (1933-1992) was an African American woman writer, born in Durham County, N.C., the daughter of a farmer and a factory worker. She received her B.A. in English and music from North Carolina College (now North Carolina Central University) in 1955 and M.A. and Ph.D. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She taught English and composition classes at North Carolina College, South Carolina State College, the University of South Carolina, and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. She is best known for two autobiographical volumes: (1981), which discusses growing up in the South during segregation and her struggles with her family and the black community around her, and (1983), which recounts her years as a high school teacher, college instructor, Ph.D. candidate, and professor. Mary Mary, Wayfarer: an autobiography The collection contains correspondence, writings, and other papers of Mary E. Mebane. Correspondence primarily relates to the publication and success of Mebane's books. Among the correspondents is Harrison E. Salisbury, editor of the op-ed page at the to which Mebane was a frequent contributor. Writings are published and unpublished works by Mebane, including articles that were intended for publication in newspapers, magazines, and scholarly publications; short stories; works on singer Millie Jackson; and several incomplete writings. The collection also contains Mebane's will; two photographs of her; items relating to book tours, readings, and writers' workshops she attended, including Yaddo; awards she received, including the Coretta Scott King award; biographical information; applications for fellowships; class and teaching materials; typescripts of short works by others; and other items. New York Times
