On March 13, 1894, a notice about a new periodical for African American readers appeared in a Boston newspaper.
I see that our colored friends are going to have a monthly magazine devoted to their interests. The first number is just out, bearing the title of the Monthly Review. The new publication proposes to deal with all questions concerning the negro race in a vigorous and independent fashion.
"The Observant Citizen." Boston Post (Boston, Massachusetts). March 13, 1894. Page 4.
One of the regular contributors to the Monthly Review was Alice Ruth Moore, a school teacher and writer from New Orleans.
The Monthly Review for June has several very interesting articles, "The Educated Colored Woman" by Alice Ruth Moore; "The Colored Race," by F. Lincoln Nelson, and a poem by Hodges; "Would we profit by experience?"
"The Hub." The Richmond Planet (Richmond, Virginia). June 30, 1894. Page 3.
We have received the Monthly Review for August. The publication is excellent, and this issue goes beyond any of the other editions in the selection of the matter and the appearance of the work. The following are the contents: Are We Brave Men or Cowards? T. Thomas Fortune, Esq.; At Bay St. Louis, (A Poem) by Miss Alice Ruth Moore.
"Editorial Opinion." The Richmond Planet (Richmond, Virginia). September 1, 1894. Page 2.
In the spring of 1895, Paul Laurence Dunbar read a copy of the Monthly Review that included some of Alice's writing, along with her picture. He wrote a letter to Alice, their correspondence developed into a romance, and they were married in 1898.
You will pardon my boldness in addressing you, I hope, and let my interest in your work be my excuse. I am drawn to write you because we are both working along the same lines and a sketch of yours in the Monthly Review so interested me that I was anxious to know more of you and your work.
Paul Laurence Dunbar to Alice Ruth Moore, April 17, 1895. Alice Dunbar-Nelson papers, Special Collections, University of Delaware Library (Newark, Delaware). MSS 0113, Box 1, F1.
In her response to Paul, Alice obliquely offered him a copy of her book Violets and Other Tales, which was published by the Monthly Review, and he eagerly accepted.
I am sorry to say that I have done very little. It seems I cannot possibly find time to write when I want. I have a little collection of short stories -- a small book in press now. I suppose you'll take a copy.
Alice Ruth Moore to Paul Laurence Dunbar, May 7, 1895. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 1).
Won't you send me some of your work when or if you write again. I shall only be too glad to take a copy of your book.
Paul Laurence Dunbar to Alice Ruth Moore, May 23, 1895. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 8).