Eliza Suggs: Shadow and Sunshine

Sunshine and Shadow was published in 1906. It's the memoir of an African American young woman born enslaved and with a disability never able to walk or fully care for herself. She had strong religious convictions and often preached in black churches while held in the arms of her sister.

Her parents were enslaved, and Suggs' memoir contains accounts of their lives, as well as other sketches of enslaved life, Eliza's account of her own life, and several of her poems and hymns. A seminar on her life was held at the University of Nebraska in 1901.

The following is an excerpt of the Introduction from her book: While attending a camp meeting near Alma, Nebraska, during the summer of 1895, my attention was drawn to a little colored girl sitting in a baby cab, who appeared to take a deep interest in the services. I was told that it was Sister Eliza Suggs, who, amid deep affliction, was developing into a strong Christian character.

While the reader will be touched by the scenes of suffering related in this narrative, he will be impressed that Eliza does not belong to the despondent class. She is evidently of a cheerful temperament, possessing an overcoming faith which gives her the assurance that the God whom she loves and serves, intends to provide for and sustain her until life's journey is ended.

She saw light where others would have seen only darkness; she cherished hope where others would have felt only despair; and fearing it might displease her Master, she rejected offers of worldly gain which others would have eagerly grasped. Of humble parentage, limited advantages, physical embarassments, she is shedding rays of light along her pathway, and making impressions for good on the hearts and lives of those with whom she associates. What a marvel of grace!

Eliza Suggs (b.1876) died on January 29, 1908 in Orleans, Nebraska. She is buried with her family in Orleans Cemetery in Harlan County, Nebraska.

Sources: Documenting the American South; photo comes from Eliza's book Shadow and Sunshine