In the mid-1950s; as many developing nations sought independence from colonial rule; black women in the American South and in South Africa launched parallel campaigns to end racial injustice within their respective communities. Just as the dignified obstinacy of Mrs. Rosa Parks sparked the Montgomery bus boycott in 1955; the 20;000 South African women who marched in Pretoria a year later to protest the pass laws signaled a new wave of resistance to the system of apartheid. In both places women who had previously been consigned to subordinate roles brought fresh leadership to the struggle for political freedom and social equality. In this book; Pamela E. Brooks tells their story; documenting the extraordinary achievements of otherwise ordinary women.In comparing the experiences of black women activists in two different parts of the African diaspora; Brooks draws heavily on oral histories that provide clear; and often painful; insight into their backgrounds; their motives; their hopes; and their fears. We learn how black women from all walks of life―domestic and factory workers; householders; teachers; union organizers; churchwomen; clubwomen; rural and urban dwellers alike―had to overcome their class differences and work through the often difficult gender relations within their families and communities. Yet eventually they came together to forge their own political organizations; such as the Women's Political Council and the Federation of South African Women; or joined orga-nizations of women and men; such as the Montgomery Improvement Association and the African National Congress; to advance the common agenda of black liberation.By tracing the dual rise of political consciousness and activism among the black women of the U.S. South and South Africa; Brooks not only illuminates patterns that have long been overlooked but places that shared history within the context of a larger global struggle to bring an end to the vestiges of European colonialism.
#427216 in Books Naval Institute Press 1996-05Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 1.24 x 6.28 x 9.29l; #File Name: 1557503532376 pages
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Good for me because I wanted to find out more the Battle of Fort FisherBy Jean A. JonesI live near Wilmington; NC and near Wilmington by Kure Beach is the Fort Fisher State Historic Site which are basically the ruins of the old confederate stronghold of Fort Fisher. I used to work there and it is one of my favorite places to visit in Wilmington. The naval commander at the Battle of Fort Fisher was Union Admiral David Dixon Porter and I wanted to find out more about his perspective on the Battle of Fort Fisher which was mentioned quite a bit in the recent Stephen Spielberg movie; "Lincoln." Because of the Battle of Fort Fisher; the port city of Wilmington was ultimately lost to the South; and Confederate General Robert E. Lee's army ultimately had to surrender to Union General Ulysses S. Grant partly due to lack of supplies. Anyway; this book gave a good account of the Battle of Fort Fisher; and for that reason alone; I found this book well worth the purchase.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Great book. It really brought to life the career ...By CustomerGreat book. It really brought to life the career of Admiral Porter.0 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Thought it would be general rather than specific as to ...By Joel unowskyThought it would be general rather than specific as to Porter's part and his bias. But was interesting and well written.
