Iola

Iola M. Williams (1936 – 2019) was an American politician, public official, civil rights activist and museum executive. In 1979, Williams became the first African-American to join the San Jose City Council, an office she held from her appointment in 1979 until her retirement from council in 1991. During this time, she also served as the Vice Mayor of San Jose, California for two terms. Williams was instrumental in the creation of the African American Military History Museum in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, as the institution's former executive director.

Briefly used by Ida B. Wells (a Black American journalist and activist) as a pen name in the southern United States.

Iola is the name of Chet's sister in the 'Hardy Boys' novels.

Iola Leroy was the main character in the novel of the same name written by Frances Harper. It is about a girl, Iola, who was briefly enslaved just before the Civil War after her father dies and it is revealed her mother is a former slave of mixed race. The novel follows her choice to live as an African American. It is one of the first novels published by an African American woman, and a very good read.

Iola Morton is Joe Hardy's girlfriend in "The Hardy Boys" mystery series.

A character in the musical Parade is named Iola and they pronounce it "IE-o-la". The musical is set in the south in the early 20th century.

Iola was Mama's annoying neighbor on the TV show 'Mama's Family'.