Blackbirds Singing: Inspiring Black Women’s Speeches from the Civil War to the Twenty-first Century

Janet Dewart Bell's book "Blackbirds Singing" is a collection of speeches by African American women that explores ethics, morality, courage, authenticity, and leadership, highlighting Black women speaking truth to power in service of freedom and justice. It spans two centuries and celebrates the tradition of Black womens political speech and labor, allowing their voices and visions to speak across generations.

Format: Hardback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 29 February 2024
Publisher: The New Press

When Mary Ann Shadd Cary, the pioneering Black woman publisher in North America, uttered the powerful words "Break every yoke. . . Let the oppressed go free" to a gathering in Chatham, Canada, in 1858, she became a part of a long legacy of African American women who used their voices to advocate for their own liberation. Drawing from a rich collection of political speeches, acclaimed activist and author Janet Dewart Bell, the author of "Lighting the Fires of Freedom," a book that was nominated for an NAACP Image Award, delves into this remarkable tradition in her book "Blackbirds Singing." Bell has assembled a diverse range of renowned figures as well as emerging talents, curating a collection of stirring public addresses by Black women spanning two centuries. From the iconic figures of Harriet Tubman and Ella Baker to the trailblazing Barbara Lee and Barbara Jordan, these magnificent speakers explore profound themes such as ethics, morality, courage, authenticity, and leadership. They courageously speak truth to power, advocating for freedom and justice on behalf of their communities.

"Blackbirds Singing" offers an expansive historical perspective, celebrating the tradition of Black women's political speech and labor. It allows the voices and powerful visions of African American women to resonate across generations, building momentum and power for a more inclusive and equitable world. Through her meticulous curation and insightful analysis, Bell sheds light on the enduring legacy of Black women's political activism and their unwavering commitment to social change. "Blackbirds Singing" is a testament to the power of words, the resilience of the human spirit, and the transformative potential of collective action. It serves as a reminder that the struggles and triumphs of African American women have shaped the course of history and continue to inspire us to strive for a better future.

Weight: 488g
Dimension: 143 x 224 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781620976289