About This Book

The ten women in this book are just a few of the African Americans who have made exceptional contributions to American life. Refusing to bow to social and political restrictions, they triumphed over racism and sexism to fulfill their aspirations and realize their dreams.

Ellen Craft, dressed as a man, risked her life to escape from slavery and work for the liberation of others. Ida B. Wells faced death threats in her crusade against lynching. Clara Hale gave up retirement to dedicate her life to healing and helping babies and young children.

Even more recently, Toni Morrison has written of the nightmares and legacies of African Americans, transforming many people's thinking. And Jackie Joyner-Kersee, who was dead last in her first running race, went on to become an Olympic gold-medal-winning track star.

Despite a lengthy history of invisibility and rejection, these women, and the five others featured in this book (Mary Fields, Charlotte Forten Grimké, Mary McLeod Bethune, Leontyne Price, and Mae C. Jemison), were determined to be free, to be heard, to succeed. In heartfelt biographies, Tonya Bolden celebrates their lives and achievements.