In Search of Sanctuary with permission from the author, Dr. Virginia Fowler. Gloria Naylor born in New York City on 25 January, first child of Roosevelt and Alberta McAlpin Naylor. Father drafted into armed forces in November. Father discharged from service 1954 Birth of sister Carolyn.
Family moves to housing project in upper Bronx.
Father becomes a master framer in a custom frame shop. Death of maternal grandfather, Evans McAlpin. 1960 Family moves to apartment building, on West 199th Street in Harlem, owned by maternal grandmother, Luecelia McAlpin. Family moves to Queens. Mother joins Jehovah's Witnesses.