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Below are recommended books that highlight the history of African American women.
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Brown Sugar : Eighty Years
of America's Black Female Superstars
by Donald Bogle
This is a great book that highlights the lives
of early performers such as Ethel Waters, Lena Horne, Moms Mabley, Bessie Smith and many
others. It describes the trials and tribulations surrounding the entertainment business
and their experiences with society as a whole. Below is what one reader had to say about
the book:
SWV from Hammond, IN , October 24, 1999
A wonderful treasury on Black American women!
I purchased this book during the mid-80's, in hardback. I still have the original
edition. It remains one of my keepsakes along with my family photo album! Every black
woman should have this book. Whenever you think you are having a hard time, this book
shows each lady's up and down. The Black woman tries to distinguish herself and positively
represent other Black Americans under the evil Hollywood eye of racism in the entertainment industry from the 1920's to present. |
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African American Women in
Congress: Forming and Transforming History
by
Laverne McCain Gill
The Rev. Barbara Reynolds, syndicated columnist, news
commentator, president and CEO of Reynolds News Service, author of Jesse Jackson:
American's David and Still We Rise: Interviews with 50 Black Role Models , provides a
wonderful review of this book:
In difficult, trying times, African American women have always risen to provide
leadership. As someone who has reported on many of the talented political stars LaVerne
Gill analyzes, I believe her book provides critical insight into the difficult roads these
women traveled to reach their goal. Every young person who wants to understand the
demands, strains, and rewards of leadership ought to read this book. Every adult who is
facing a difficult job standing as the storms threaten to shake them from their foundation
ought to read this book to gain strength to hold on. As Gill shows, the demands of
leadership are tough, but without the kind of sacrifice and vision these talented Black
women exhibit, a people would perish. In lifting up these special women, Gill has provided
us with a gift, a treasure.
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Black Women in White America : A
Documentary History
by Gerda Lerner (Editor)
Here's what Maya Angelou had to say
about this book:
Gerda Lerner has collected...material which can change images that whites have had of
Blacks, and possibly even those which we, as Blacks, have of ourselves.
Another reader comments: February 12, 1999
An excellent documentary on the black women's lives
This book does an excellent job of documenting the lives of African American women from
slavery to the 20th century. It gives a portrayal of their strong abilities to move
forward, their religious faith, and their degree of hope and self-pride in the meantime. I
sincerely recommend this book to everyone in hopes that it will serve as a guide in their
present lives.
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