Overview

An inspiring and eye-opening look at the unsung women of the Civil Rights Movement. The impact on the Civil Rights Movement of Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, Thurgood Marshall, and other men are rightfully told with reverence in history books; yet, for decades the women toiling both in the forefront and behind the scenes have been overlooked. These women forced integration of schools and bus terminals and restaurants. They organized protests attended by hundreds of thousands. They pressured lawmakers to give all Americans equal access to the ballot box. And they were doing their part in virtual anonymity and at great personal risk. The Spirit of Freedom: Powerful Women of the Civil Rights Movement honors the incredible contributions that women made to the Civil Rights Movement. Featuring the stories of seventeen women, including Ella Baker, Dorothy Height, Ruby Hurley, Gloria Richardson, and Jo Ann Robinson, this book highlights their life stories, personal struggles, and influences on the movement. It reveals how these women overcame enormous odds, confronted sexism, racism, risk of bodily harm, and even threats to their lives, to impact a movement that resulted in attaining legal equality for African Americans. The work of these women helped achieve the unequivocal right to vote, end segregation in public places, and open the doors for African Americans in all areas of society. The contributions of these women have been greatly overlooked, but are finally brought to life in The Spirit of Freedom.

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9781538177358

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Gitlin's ability to spotlight such brave women who changed the course of the Civil Rights Movement should inspire all of us, and ignite courage to stand up for the continued progress of our own communities. --Nihar Suthar, author of The Hope Raisers Martin Gitlin's The Spirit of Freedom: Powerful Women of the Civil Rights Movement is a fascinating and illuminating exploration of the inspiring lives and legacies of unsung Black women activists of the Civil Rights movement. It is essential reading for anyone interested in what motivates an activist, no matter their race or gender. --Jean Rawitt, author of Inspired to Action: How Young Changemakers Can Shape Their Communities and the World

Martin Gitlin's The Spirit of Freedom: Powerful Women of the Civil Rights Movement is a fascinating and illuminating exploration of the inspiring lives and legacies of unsung Black women activists of the Civil Rights movement. It is essential reading for anyone interested in what motivates an activist, no matter their race or gender. --Jean Rawitt, author of Inspired to Action: How Young Changemakers Can Shape Their Communities and the World

Author Information

Martin Gitlin is a former newspaper journalist who won more than 45 awards, including first place for general excellence from Associated Press. That organization selected him as one of the top four feature writers in Ohio. He has had more than 200 books published, most of them educational, including many in the realm of twentieth century American history.

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