Historical markers honoring Massac County natives dedicated

A pair of historical markers honoring two influential Massac County natives were dedicated on Monday in Metropolis.

The markers honor filmmaker Oscar Micheaux and businesswoman Annie Turnbo Malone. 

Micheaux is considered to be the first successful African-American writer, producer, and director of feature films. According to the Internet Movie Database, Micheaux has 42 movies to his credit as a director, 38 as a producer, and 39 as a writer from 1919-48. 

By the 1920s, Malone became one of the first African-American female millionaires after creating an entire industry focused on beauty products for African-American women. Not only did she create new products, but Malone also established a cosmetology school in St. Louis.

Reverend Orlando McReynolds of First Missionary Baptist Church in Metropolis spearheaded the effort to place the markers. McReynolds said, " Oscar Micheaux and Annie Turnbo Malone are recognized both nationally and internationally. I thought it was only right that they receive recognition in their hometown of Metropolis."

The Illinois State Historical Markers are placed outside the Chamber of Commerce building on Market Street on Superman Square.



Photos of the markers courtesy of the Metropolis Chamber of Commerce Facebook page