Charles M. Thomas (married in 1881, divorced in 1889) Lillian May Parker Thomas Fox (November 1854 – August 29, 1917)[1] was an African American journalist, clubwoman, public speaker, and civic activist in Indianapolis, Indiana, who rose to prominence in the 1880s and 1890s as a writer for the Indianapolis Freeman, a leading national black newspaper.

In 1900, Fox joined the Indianapolis News, becoming the first African American columnist to regularly write for a white newspaper in Indiana.

Fox used her writing, public speaking, and strong organizational skills to promote the goals and interests of several organizations in Indianapolis's black community.

Fox also advocated for improvements in public health and care for tuberculosis patients in Indianapolis's black community.

Her parents were Jane Janette (Johnson), a teacher, and Reverend Byrd Parker, a pastor at Quinn African Methodist Episcopal Church.

[3][4] Thomas learned to read and write at an early age, and attended public schools in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

She also chose to keep private the details about her two first marriages and her daughter Maudie, as none of these aspects of her life were included in published biographies.

Fox was a Jamaican merchant and tailor in Pensacola, Florida, who moved to Indianapolis and opened a shop on Indiana Avenue.

[4][13][14] Fox began her career as a public speaker and freelance writer, but rose to prominence in the 1880s and 1890s as a civic leader and journalist for the Indianapolis Freeman, a leading national black newspaper at the time.

In 1900 Fox joined the Indianapolis News, becoming the state's first black columnist to regularly write for a white newspaper.

[6][15] She was especially active as an advocate for improving access to public health and securing better care for tuberculosis patients in Indianapolis's black community.

[13][16] When Fox moved to Indianapolis in 1885, she earned income as a seamstress while working as a freelance writer for black newspapers.

In 1891 she passed the civil service entrance examination, which qualified her for a clerkship, but she instead pursued a career as a journalist, public speaker, and social activist in Indianapolis.

[5][6] At the Freeman, where she was the only woman on the editorial staff, her writings favored Booker T. Washington's approach to black economic progress.

She was also an active member of Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, as well as other organizations in the black community of Indianapolis.

[13][20] The Woman's Improvement Club of socially prominent black women was initially established as a literary group.

[6][22] Suffering from failing eyesight and general ill health, Fox took a leave of absence from the Indianapolis News in 1914.

[23] In addition to her writing, Fox was known for her public speaking and strong organizational skills, which she used to promote the goals and interests of several organizations in the black community.