A lot of people have made up their minds about Rachel Doležal. But none of them know her real story. In June 2015; the media “outed†Rachel Doležal as a white woman who had knowingly been “passing†as Black. When asked if she were African American during an interview about the hate crimes directed at her and her family; she hesitated before ending the interview and walking away. Some interpreted her reluctance to respond and hasty departure as dishonesty; while others assumed she lacked a reasonable explanation for the almost unprecedented way she identified herself.What determines your race? Is it your DNA? The community in which you were raised? The way others see you or the way you see yourself?With In Full Color; Rachel Doležal describes the path that led her from being a child of white evangelical parents to an NAACP chapter president and respected educator and activist who identifies as Black. Along the way; she recounts the deep emotional bond she formed with her four adopted Black siblings; the sense of belonging she felt while living in Black communities in Jackson; Mississippi; and Washington; DC; and the experiences that have shaped her along the way.
#1414167 in Books Savas Beatie 2008-07-07Ingredients: Example IngredientsOriginal language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.32 x 1.21 x 6.04l; 1.78 #File Name: 193271409X524 pages
Review
6 of 7 people found the following review helpful. Excellent biography of a great Confederate GeneralBy Robert C. OlsonExcellent biography of a great Confederate General Major General Robert E. Rodes was one of the Confederacy's great generals who today gets very little acclaim. From the very beginning of the Civil War at the battle of Bull Run; until his death at Winchester in September; 1864; General Rodes was one of Robert E. Lee's most solid division commanders. He was admired by subordinates and superiors alike and trusted to always deliver regardless of the difficulties of battle or stress of the situation. He always led from the front with a firm hand on his command; developing new strategies and tactics as the battle or situation warranted. Everything about General Rodes screamed leadership; from his physical appearance; to his commanding voice; to his tireless dedication to both his men and the mission. He was one of General Lee's most trusted combat leaders who the General could always count on; even during the most difficult of combat situations. Major Jedediah Hotchkiss; Stonewall Jackson's renowned mapmaker; best summed up the superb General Rodes; "His men regarded him as second only to General Lee; excelled by none other." Further; Hotchkiss felt; "Rodes was the best Division commander in the Army of Northern Virginia and was worthy of and capable for any position in it." Hotchkiss considered Rodes qualified not only for corps command; but also command of the entire army. And Major Hotchkiss would know; as he was personally engaged in every battle that great Army fought and involved with all its commanders. Still; as with all great military leaders there were questions concerning General Rodes and his battle decisions. His conduct at Gettysburg has always been suspect. Mr. Collins does a good job of analyzing General Rodes' decisions and points out his flaws during the 3 days of the Gettysburg battle. Mr. Collins also does a good job of analyzing exactly what happened at the Spotsylvania "Mule Shoe" salient. Generally though; Robert Rodes was a superb military commander; tireless and aggressive who was always in the right place at the right time with just the right amount of force. Without a doubt; Major General Robert Rodes was one of Robert E. Lee's best lieutenants. Must read for anyone with an in-depth interest in the American Civil War. Mr. Collins does an excellent job of covering and answering some of the lingering questions of that great war. Good use of maps and thumbnail pictures of General Rodes' contemporary Confederate generals. A few pictures of his family and homestead would have fleshed out the non warrior side of the General. Major General Robert Rodes was one of Lee's great leaders who through the mist of time has slowly receded into the background. Fortunately; Darrel Collins brings General Rodes back into the well deserved spotlight of Civil War history. He was a great General who deserves his place in Civil War lore. Overall a terrific biographical examination of one of the South's great generals. Well done Mr. Collins.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy CustomerI love it5 of 6 people found the following review helpful. Definitive Book on Robert RodesBy David M. DoughertyI agree whole-heartedly with the earlier three fine reviews by Durney; Brunelle and Jordan that this work by Collins is an excellent biography. It is even more surprising in light of the battle casualties that decimated those who served under him (John B. Gordon excepted) and eliminated many of the normal sources on this fine officer. Even worse is that his wife Hortense destroyed all of his papers after the war. Author Collins is extremely even-handed in his depiction of Rodes; even remarking the Rodes seemed insensitive to the potential breaking up of his slave's family. He was also sometimes harsh and unreasonable; alternatively loved and hated by his men. In short; the author presents Rodes with warts and all; although his portrayal is definitely sympathetic. The book presents Rodes as the best or one of the best division commanders in the Army of Northern Virginia. That is certainly open to question and debate. Mapmaker Hotchkiss said Rodes was the best; but Hotchkiss was not a fighting man. Douglas Southhall Freeman issued the verdict in his time in his "Lee's Lieutenants" with: "The young professor of engineering at the Virginia Military Institute continues to look like a Norse god in Confederate gray; but he does not retain as division commander the consistent distinction that has been his as a Brigadier. Perhaps on July 1 at Gettsburg -- the first day he has ever led his own Division in battle -- he tries too hard with feeble instruments. The next day; he halts his advance before it attempts to scale Cemetary Hill. Doubtless he is right; but it is not like the Rodes of Chancellorsville. When he goes back to the Wilderness in 1864; he has the furious; oldtime dash; and at the Bloody Angle he rivals his comrades Gordon and Ramseur. With them; under "Jube" Early; he goes to the Shenandoah Valley; and there; at a moment when he did not know the battle was lost; he leaves unanswered the question whether he would have realized fully his promise as a soldier." Freeman's opinion is not contradicted by Collins's work when examined carefully; and I; for one; was saddened as a result. He was certainly fearless and a excellent commander of troops; but somehow that quality that makes a great captain seems elusive. In three years of battle; he only went from Brigadier General to Major General. Doubtless his lack of an influential patron or backed by a State (he was a Virginian commanding Alabama troops) did not help; but Lee tended to promote Virginians and specifically those who distinguished themselves in battle. Nevertheless; this book makes a strong contribution to Civil War literature and should rekindle interest in a commander who was solid; but somehow not exceptional. I recommend it to every individual interested in the Civil War.
