By Garry Blanson
Though her name may not be widely known, Marita O.B. Occomy was a talented writer and playwright associated with the renowned “Harlem Renaissance Era.” Born on June 16, 1899, in Boston, Massachusetts, Marita was raised in a family that valued education and artistic expression. During her time at Brookline High School, she contributed to the school magazine, nurturing her passion for writing.
After graduating, Marita pursued higher education at Radcliffe College, where she faced the racial segregation of the time. Despite the challenges, her talent and dedication shone through, excelling not only in her academics but also in music, winning prestigious piano competitions.
Marita’s commitment to making a difference extended beyond her academic achievements. She became a member of the “Delta Sigma Theta Sorority” and founded the Boston-Area Chapter. Following her teaching tenure at Bluefield Colored Institute, she joined the faculty of Armstrong High School in Washington, D.C. It was during this challenging period of loss that Marita’s first published essay, “Being Young—A Woman—And Colored,” captured attention and propelled her into the literary spotlight.
The publication of her essay opened doors for Marita, leading her to join a distinguished group of writers, poets, playwrights, and composers in Washington, D.C. Through her writings, Marita emphasized the importance of self-improvement through education, inspiring countless readers. Amid her rising literary success, fate intervened, and Marita crossed paths with William Almy Occomy, who would become her beloved husband.
Marita and William married in 1930 and relocated to Chicago, where Marita found a welcoming community of fellow writers. As their family expanded to five with the addition of three children, Marita balanced her roles as a mother and writer. Eventually, she transitioned to teaching in Chicago’s public school system, dedicating herself to shaping young minds until her retirement in 1963.
Tragically, in 1971, a fire engulfed Marita’s Chicago apartment, leading to her untimely demise from smoke inhalation. The world lost a talented writer and a compassionate educator. However, Marita’s legacy lives on through her writings, which continue to resonate with their messages of self-improvement and education.
As we reflect on Marita’s life, it is disheartening to see the limited representation of Black writers like her in school textbooks. The overlooked contributions of writers from the “Black Renaissance Era” and “The Harlem Renaissance Era” should be celebrated and integrated into the curriculum, ensuring their profound impact on literature is recognized by all.
