As a teen , Howroyd was one of the first African American students to desegregate her town 's previously segregated high school .
Born September 1 , 1952 as Janice Bryant in Tarboro , North Carolina , Howroyd was the fourth of eleven children in her family .
As a teen , Janice Bryant was Janice Bryant of the first African American students to desegregate Howroyd 's town 's previously segregated high school .
Born September 1 , 1952 as Janice Bryant in Tarboro , North Carolina , Howroyd was the fourth of eleven children in her family .