Description
Book SynopsisThe first comprehensive history of black Texas women, a previously neglected group whose 150 years of continued struggle and some successes against the oppression of racism and sexism deserve to be better known and understood.
Trade ReviewBlack Texas Women is an inspiring introduction to the struggles and accomplishments of black women in Texas since the days of the Republic.... It is through the work of Ruthe Winegarten and others like her that scarce and scattered records are being uncovered, preserved, and protected. * Texas Books in Review *
Occasionally a book comes along that is monumental in scope, overwhelming in amount of research, and so powerful in its impact as to be categorized at once as a lasting contribution to our knowledge of humankind.
Black Texas Women is one of those rare books.... Highly recommended. * Journal of American History *
Occasionally a book comes along that is monumental in scope, overwhelming in amount of research, and so powerful in its impact as to be categorized at once as a lasting contribution to our knowledge of humankind.
Black Texas Women is one of those rare books.... Highly recommended. * Review of Texas Books *
Winegarten, a prolific and competent independent scholar of Texas history, enriches understanding of the Lone Star State with this long-needed and well-done study of the African American women of Texas, from the Spanish colonial era to the present. * Choice *
Table of Contents
- Preface
- Acknowledgments
- "She Is My Sister" by Niobe
- Part I. The Antebellum Period
- 1. Free Women of Color. "An honest, sober and industrious woman. "
- 2. Slavery. "Our slaves are the happiest...human beings on whom the sun shines."
- Part II. Reconstruction and Redemption
- 3. First Freedom. "I belong to myself now."
- 4. Resistance. "Colored woman sues for damages."
- Part III. Education and Culture
- 5. Freedmen's Bureau Schools and Public Schools "Send us teachers. "
- 6. Higher Education. "Conduct becoming ladies is insisted upon."
- 7. Culture and Social Life. "If you can sing gospel, you can sing the blues."
- Part IV. The New Century
- 8. Work. "I would not take 'no' for an answer."
- 9. Clubs and Community Building. "Lifting as we climb."
- 10. The Fight for Suffrage and against Lynching. "Are you saying that we can't vote because we're Negroes?"
- Part V. The Modern Period
- 11. World War II. "A splendid opportunity for colored women. "
- 12. The Civil Rights Movement. "The fight is on!"
- 13. Breaking the Glass Ceiling. "This is our time."
- "Prelude to Ashe" by Hermine Pinson
- Appendix 1. Educators
- Appendix 2. Officeholders
- Notes
- Selected Bibliography
- Photo Credits
- Index
