Remembering Tina McElroy Ansa: Celebrated Author, Journalist, and Trailblazer

Tina McElroy Ansa, the beloved author and trailblazer known for her vivid storytelling of Black Southern life, has passed away at the age of 74. Her friend and fellow Spelman College alum, Wanda Lloyd, announced the news on social media, sharing the impact of McElroy Ansa’s work and legacy.

Born in Macon, Georgia, McElroy Ansa began her career as a journalist at The Atlanta Constitution before transitioning to writing novels. Her debut novel, “Baby of the Family,” earned critical acclaim and set the stage for a successful writing career that included works like “Ugly Ways” and “The Hand I Fan With.”

In addition to her own writing, McElroy Ansa was a champion for other Black writers, founding DownSouth Press to publish and promote African-American literature. She also established the Sea Island Writers Retreat, a program aimed at nurturing emerging and established writers in various genres.

Beyond her literary contributions, McElroy Ansa was a devoted wife to cinematographer Jonée Ansa until his passing in 2020. At the time of her death, she was working on her sixth novel and planning a film festival to celebrate the legacy of Harrington School, the first school for African American children on St. Simons Island.

Lloyd described McElroy Ansa as a leader in the writing community and a friend to many, highlighting her impact on both the literary world and her community. The news of her passing has left a void in the hearts of those who knew and admired her work, but her legacy as a storyteller and mentor will continue to inspire generations to come.