Era Bell Thompson was born on August 10, 1905, in Des Moines, Iowa.
Era Bell Thompson was born on August 10, 1905, in Des Moines, Iowa. She was raised against the backdrop of a racially diverse environment. Her early years in North Dakota, where her family had moved seeking better opportunities, deeply influenced her perspective on race and identity. Her position as a minority in a predominantly white community built a foundation of resilience and introspection, which would guide her future writings and editorial career.