“Formidable and daring, resilient and hopeful, The Book of Awesome Black Women is a beacon of acknowledgement for the transformative work Black women have done and continue to do. Rendered with simple truth and trail-blazing candor, we are honored by their lives, their stories, their grace and the inspirational precedent set for all to follow in their footsteps.”

—Bridgitte Jackson-Buckley, interviewer, memoirist, and author of The Gift of Crisis: How I Used Meditation to Go From Financial Failure to a Life of Purpose

 

“In The Book of Awesome Black Women: Mighty Females Who Changed History, Becca Anderson and M.J. Fievre remind us how central Black women are and have been to American and world history and culture. No matter how much you think you know about the awesomeness of Black women, this book will give you more reasons to celebrate what Black women have done and are destined to do. This book is a balm and a healing for all who will read it.”

—Marita Golden, author of The Strong Black Woman: How A Myth Endangers the Physical and Mental Health of Black Women

 

“The Book of Awesome Black Women is full of Black women trailblazers who have paved the way for future generations of Black girls to build their own achievements, successes, and triumphs. Here are the foremothers whose stories and lives will help teach young Black girls the power they hold within to change and redefine social boundaries.”

—Varla Ventura, author of Sheroes: Bold, Brash, and Absolutely Unabashed Superwomen

 

“A celebration of indomitable black women who scaled centuries of oppression to reach the mountaintop. The encapsulated biographies prove that the impossible can be possible.”

—Marlene Wagman-Geller, author of Women of Means: The Fascinating Biographies of Royals, Heiresses, Eccentrics and Other Poor Little Rich Girls

 

“The Book of Awesome Black Women is a powerful resource for young Black girls to empower themselves with the stories of their foremothers. The Black women in this book will guide and lead future generations to recognize that they have the love, strength, and ferocity to change their world.”

—Karen Arrington, author of Your Next Level Life: 7 Rules of Power, Confidence, and Opportunity for Black Women in America

“The world needs more works celebrating the excellence of strong, accomplished Black women! This is an excellent introduction to those who’ve earned their places in history.”

—Chrisanne Beckner, architectural historian, writer, and author of 100 African Americans Who Shaped American History

 

 

Contents

Introductions – MJ Fievre and Becca Anderson

Chapter One – Hidden Figures No Longer: Black Women in STEM
Chapter Two – SHEroes: Unstoppable Black Women Who Busted Down Barriers
Chapter Three – Amazing Artists: Musicians, Actors and Other Creators of Color
Chapter Four – The Truest Eyes: Awesome Black Women Writers
Chapter Five – Let a New Earth Rise: Poets & Literary Pioneers
Chapter Six – Recovering and Reclaiming Identities: Black Women in Visual Arts
Chapter Seven – All-Kinds-of-Awesome Athletes: Women and Girls Who Leveled the Playing Field
Chapter Eight – Activists Who Kick A**: Fighting For Civil Rights, Human Right, Queer Rights & Climates Rights
Chapter Nine – Unbought & Unbossed: Black Women Fighting for Equality
Chapter Ten – Black Women Leading the Way: Mighty in the Classroom, the Military, and the Church
Chapter Eleven – Black Bodies on the Move: Awesome Black Models and Dancers
Chapter Twelve – SHEO’s & SHEroes: Black Women Give Back and Make the Best
Bosses

Conclusion