Writing under the pen name “Iola,” by the early 1890s she gained a reputation as a clear voice against racial injustice and become co-owner and editor of the Memphis Free Speech and Headlight newspaper.
Dengan nama pena \"Iola,\" di awal 1890an dia mendapat reputasi sebagai penyuara aktif melawan ketidakadilan rasisme dan menjadi salah satu pemilik dan editor Koran Memphis Free Speech and Headlight.