Maurice N. Corbett (1859-1931) was born to a slave mother. He began his career teaching school in Yanceyville but quickly emerged as a key organizer for the Republican Party. In 1885, he was elected to the North Carolina House of Representatives from Caswell County, defeating his white counterpart in a contested election. His poetry collection The Harp of Ethiopia (1914) was intended to awaken racial pride and celebrate the rich history and potential of African Americans.