In the 1920s, Fauset was part of a Philadelphia literary group called the Black Opals, typical of African-American groups springing up in several major East Coast cities, and inspired by activities in Harlem. In 1927, they founded a literary magazine called "Black Opals", which he co-edited with Nellie Rathbone Bright. She also published poetry in the magazine, as did Mae V. Cowdery; both their pieces were praised by Countee Cullen, the new literary editor of "Opportunity." Bright was a teacher in the Philadelphia schools. Another member of the intellectual group and artistic director of the magazine was Allan Randall Freelon, a painter. They published the magazine for one year.