"Miss Cynthie" is a short story originally published in Story Magazine in 1933. It's publication was controversial to some, because it was written by an African American author, Rudolph Fisher. At this time, it was often seen as unacceptable for African Americans to be able to write good literature. The story follows an old woman named Miss Cynthie, who travels from her South Carolinian town to New York City to meet up with her grandson whom she has not seen in a long time. She thinks that he has chosen an "honorable and Christian" profession for himself, but is dismayed when she finds that he has not.
Born in 1897, Rudolph Fisher was an African American physician and writer. He is best known for his six main works that include The Walls of Jericho and The Conjure Man Dies. Living in New York City for much of his life, Fisher was inspired by and played a role in the Harlem Renaissance. Fisher also advocated for Pan-Africanism, or the unity of African Americans based on their unique culture.
