Vanguard Audiobook By Martha S. Jones cover art

Vanguard

How Black Women Broke Barriers, Won the Vote, and Insisted on Equality for All

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Vanguard

By: Martha S. Jones
Narrated by: Mela Lee
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The epic history of African American women's pursuit of political power - and how it transformed America.

In the standard story, the suffrage crusade began in Seneca Falls in 1848 and ended with the ratification of the 19th Amendment in 1920. But this overwhelmingly White women's movement did not win the vote for most Black women. Securing their rights required a movement of their own.

In Vanguard, acclaimed historian Martha S. Jones offers a new history of African American women's political lives in America. She recounts how they defied both racism and sexism to fight for the ballot and how they wielded political power to secure the equality and dignity of all persons. From the earliest days of the republic to the passage of the 1965 Voting Rights Act and beyond, Jones excavates the lives and work of Black women - Maria Stewart, Frances Ellen Watkins Harper, Fannie Lou Hamer, and more - who were the vanguard of women's rights, calling on America to realize its best ideals.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2020 Martha S. Jones (P)2020 Basic Books Americas Black & African American Civil Rights & Liberties Freedom & Security Los Angeles Times Book Prize Politics & Government United States Women Social justice
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All stars
Most relevant
I was glad to learn about the history of black women overcoming racial and sexual slavery and oppression. I wish I had learned it earlier in life.

I learned so much!

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A scholarly and fascinating deep dive into African-American Women's defining role of suffrage, civil rights and leadership. This book inspired me to keep learning and continuing to teach ALL of America's story.

A Must Read For US History Teachers

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I went in with really high expectations. It didn't quite meet them. I'm not sure if it's because how this one was narrated or how it was written (I listened to this one), but I had a hard time getting into this one. I think it was written a bit more professor-like and a bit drier than I like. Then again, I often have a harder time with really broad, sweeping looks at history like this. I prefer books that take a deeper dive into a few people rather than sweeping looks.

BUT, I think this sweeping look was needed. The author gave women who have never had their due their due along with discussing those who are well more known. She did a great job taking a very broad, thorough look at how Black women advanced history, equality, and broke barriers in multiple facets of life. I'm glad I read this, and this one was written.

Black women in particular have been left out of discussions of fight for eaulity (based on sex and racial equality), and this one sought out to rectify that and was very informative.

I wish there had been something to tie this one together more. But I'm glad I read it.

Insightful

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I am so glad I read this! So much of history is missed and this book does an excellent job of capturing those pieces. I loved thr intimate portraits of the Black women who worked hard so I could have opportunities.

Inspirational History

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This was a relatively quick listen. It was informative and eye opening to the black voices in the women’s rights movement.

Very informative book

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I thoroughly enjoyed this read. It was informative, enlightening and powerful in its delivery. I would highly recommend to anyone interested in discovering more about the Black women vanguards of American History.

Powerful and Informative Historic Read!

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I loved the history that was offered in this book. it was easy to listen to. This book enlightened my view on the gift of Black women to American history.

Vanguard

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