Black women are the often unsung "sheroes" who make immeasurable contributions to America's democracy, institutions, families and communities, all while facing the double bind of sexism and racism. In her compelling, thoughtful fourth book, Black Women Will Save the World, veteran White House reporter April Ryan--herself a trailblazing Black woman--champions the accomplishments of Black female leaders like Fannie Lou Hamer, Maxine Waters, Vice President Kamala Harris and the cofounders of Black Lives Matter. In powerful, insightful prose, Ryan shows readers why the accomplishments of Black women matter now more than ever, and urges readers of all races and genders to "join me in celebrating Black women, seeing Black women, supporting Black women, and standing with Black women by creating space for their full humanity."
Ryan (Under Fire; At Mama's Knee) shares some of her own story: as a working-class native of Baltimore, a proud graduate of a historically Black college and a single mother, she is an anomaly in the White House press corps for various reasons. But she is proud of her roots and is teaching her daughters to stand strong in their own identities. She also shares vital historical information about Black women activists and organizers: familiar names like Rosa Parks, yes, but other women, such as Mary Ann Shadd Cary and Nannie Helen Burroughs, whose work has often been ignored. "That ability to fight for the greater good while sacrificing for the immediate win is a hallmark of Black female leadership," she notes, acknowledging that Black women have made complex compromises in service of the causes they fight for. Ryan urges readers to learn about and celebrate the work of Black women in achieving gains in voting rights, women's rights and other areas, and to support the work of activists such as Stacey Abrams who are currently fighting for equality.
Ryan emphasizes, repeatedly, the price Black women pay for being first in a space, for being the smartest or most accomplished in the room, for excelling in a society that is explicitly not built for them. As an award-winning journalist, she knows whereof she speaks--and she's determined to keep holding the door open for others to come through. In the wake of the racism and sexism that have characterized the Trump era, Ryan calls on all Americans to do better: to listen to, respect and celebrate Black women. Her book is an important step forward in that conversation. --Katie Noah Gibson, blogger at Cakes, Tea and Dreams
Shelf Talker: Veteran White House reporter April Ryan's fourth book is a powerful tribute to the distinct strengths of Black women.