Tobie Grant-Georgia’s Magic Woman

©2021, by Doc Lawrence

Truth transcends fiction. No mortal could imagine anyone like Tobie Grant, an African-American woman, entrepreneur, real estate powerhouse, healer, psychic and philanthropist with few counterparts. As a teenager, I was fortunate to know her. Wise is a lame word that doesn’t begin to define this remarkable woman. A combination prophet, visionary, herbalist with amazing business judgment, her circle of admirers extended deep into the greater Atlanta community, including powerful white politicians and business leaders.

All during the era of cruel racial segregation.

I had her story in mind for many years and read all I could find about her. Visits to her grave in Washington Park Cemetery near Emory’s Decatur Medical Center kindled my will to help get Tobie Grant’s story told for today and future generations. And, one can only wonder why this bigger-than-life woman has been relegated to a corner where memories fade away.

She was labelled as a fortune teller, seer, healer, predictor, sense-giver and once described as a “Modern Queen of Sheba.” Vernacular stories abound about her healing compounds and psychic abilities in crime investigation where local police engaged her to find missing persons or a wayward husband in hiding.

At the time of her death in 1968, Tobie Grant may well have been among the wealthiest Black women in America. Blessed with a generous spirit, she shared her largesse, donating land for a recreation center, library and park in Scottdale, a historic community near Decatur, Georgia. These bear her name and remain active civic servants.

The sparse newspaper stories about Tobie Grant lean toward describing her in whimsical, child-like language, reminiscent of “Song of the South.” She deserves to be remembered and reintroduced seriously.

Tobie Grant stands in my mind right along those Georgians that founded Coca-Cola, made Delta Airlines, Chic-Fil-A, CNN and Home Depot business legends and wrote Pulitizer-winning books.

There’s a fine movie here. A television series, too. Not a documentary, but an interesting story based on actual events.

Imagine an opening scene with a fearless black woman responding to news that the Klan wasn’t pleased with her successes. She defiantly responds: “I’ll put a hex on them.” They left Tobie Grant alone.

Other accomplishments include her development of residential homes, establishment of Washington Park Cemetery, successful insurance executive and a mighty bridge between Black and White Georgia.

Let’s make that movie! I am interviewing people who knew Ms. Grant. The stories so far have been amazing.

Share your memories, even those handed down from family members.

Contact me: doclawrence@mindspring.com. @docsnews, FB.