Juanita Harrison - Biography

Biography

Harrison was born in Mississippi during a time that was racially oppressive for an African-American female. The times were marked by racism, laborious jobs for minorities, and not many opportunities for success. Harrison did not receive much schooling, as told in the preface of her book. Her early years started with “an endless round of cooking, washing, and ironing in an overburdened household,” which was the norm for girls in her situation—young and African American (ix). Her school education ceased when she was about ten years old. There is not much known about her parents and family life other than what is presented in the preface to her autobiography.

Harrison’s physical appearance is also a mystery to the readers. She is spoken of by a former employer’s daughter as having “a slight form, fresh complexion, long hair braided about her head, made her appear younger than her years” (xi). This is the only description given about her looks. Harrison autographed a copy of her book and gave several personal photographs of herself to Mr. and Mrs. Frank Estes, on whose property in Hawaii she lived when she returned from her world travels.