Washington Evening Journal
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New book tells story of first Black woman to graduate Grinnell College
By Monique Shore and J.O. Parker
Jan. 2, 2024 8:39 am
GRINNELL -- The oldest living alumna of Grinnell High School and Grinnell College is the subject of a book slated for release this month.
“No One is Better Than You: Edith Renfrow Smith and the Power of a Mother’s Words,” written and self-published by Monique McLay Shore, of Grinnell, tells the story of Edith Renfrow Smith, now 109.
Renfrow Smith was born in Grinnell in 1914. She graduated from Grinnell. College in 1937, the first Black woman to do so, and is the namesake of Renfrow Hall, a four-story, off campus apartment-style residence hall currently under construction at the corner of Broad Street and Sixth Avenue.
Shore has been involved in research into the Renfrow family the last eight years. It started with her work for the Drake Community Library in Grinnell and grew into a personal passion.
Shore began working on the book in January 2022.
“After the announcement of the Renfrow Hall naming, I just felt compelled to explore writing a book about her life,” said Shore.
“Her family story and her bright spirit are so compelling. She inspires everyone she meets and her story really should be known by more people,” Shore said.
“While drafting the text was relatively straightforward, finding an illustrator and figuring out how to publish a book was a new challenge.”
Through the Grinnell College alumni community, Shore connected with illustrator Erica L. Butler of Seattle. A friend of a Grinnell College alumni, Butler has a passion for sharing stories of African American history.
“I've been honored to illustrate the story of Mrs. Edith Renfrow Smith,” said Butler. “It was a dream job, partly because her story reflects the experience of many Black families, including my own.”
After finding an illustrator, Shore’s next step was to get clearance from Renfrow Smith. Shore recalls, “Last March we went to Chicago and read the draft of the story to her and her daughter, Alice. I wasn't going to do anything until I knew they liked what I had written. I was so thrilled with her enthusiastic response.”
With that blessing, Shore launched a Kickstarter campaign in early April to raise funds to pay for the illustrations and the initial print expenses. The response was overwhelming.
“I was blown away by the number of people who were excited to help make this project happen,” said Shore. “We met the $10,000 Kickstarter goal in less than four days. More than 120 people contributed to the project, with donations ranging from $5 to more than $2,000.”
Throughout the process, Shore has shared updates on the book website at Renfrowstory.com.
“Every couple of weeks I would write about how the illustrations were coming, how Edith and her daughter were staying involved, or other book-related info,” she said.
“And of course, I included pictures every step of the way.”
Another alumni benefit came from connecting with Caroline Arnold, class of 1966, who has published more than 100 books for children.
“Caroline’s input early on helped me refine the text and make the story more engaging. She also proofread the final version, which was incredibly helpful,” said Shore.
The book was submitted to the printer Oct 31 after 10 months of work and countless virtual meetings with the illustrator and Edith’s daughter, Alice. Shore is working with Print Ninja in Evanston, Illinois, but the books were printed China.
Most of the initial 2,000 copies are in transit by cargo ship. But Shore made room in the budget to have some copies sent by air.
“I didn't want to wait any longer than possible to get this to Edith,” said Shore. “At age 109, every day counts.”
The advanced copies arrived at Shore’s home the day after Thanksgiving, and Shore immediately made plans to get to Chicago. Traveling with her husband, Craig, they made the delivery Dec. 2.
Shore, her husband, Craig, Renfrow Smith and her daughter spent the morning looking through every page of the book as they shared conversation.
“She is incredibly happy to finally have a book written about her life and the inspiration that her mother passed on,” said Shore.
Advanced copy
An advanced copy is now on display at Grinnell’s Pioneer Bookstore. Delivery of copies for sale is anticipated by mid-January. Retail price is $14.95 for the 60 page book, which includes several pages of photos and related information about the Renfrow family.
Copies can be reserved at tinyurl.com/renfrowbook. Buyers will be contacted when the books arrive.
Shore hopes to get books into stores in the Chicago area, where Renfrow Smith has spent much of her life, after the book arrives. She also hopes to make it available as an ebook.
Additional information can be found on the book website at renfrowstory.com. Shore can be contacted at moniquemshore@gmail.com.