Mrs. Holland was born in Richmond, Ky. She was one of nine sisters and brothers. She graduated from Central High School in Cleveland, Ohio in 1934; received her B.S. degree in Elementary Education from Wilberforce University in 1939; and a M.S. degree from Ball State University in 1964, at the age of 45. She had many civic and political experiences. Some of the major accomplishments she made are: chairperson of the Human Relations Committee and Executive Board of the local Richmond (Indiana) Association of Classroom Teachers; chairperson of the Folklore first black teacher (25 years) in Richmond, Ind.; choir director of the Bethel AME Church for 15 years; director of Indiana Civil Rights Commission from 1973-1977; received the Indiana Wabash Award (highest in the state); lecturer at many colleges and civic organizations; AARP chairperson at North Vernon, Ind., for two years--age 65; author; and she has also served as an elected board member at Country Squire Lakes, North Vernon, from April 1981 through November 1983. This re-print of the poetic folklore is intended to entertain as well as educate children and adults on how they can not only smile but learn at the same time.
