Description
Book SynopsisThis is the story of Louise Thompson Patterson—a leading and transformative figure in the radical African American politics of the twentieth century—who spent her entire life dedicating herself toward achieving social justice and liberation for all.
Trade Review(Starred Review) "An important book in helping to understand the persistent racism faced by African Americans in this country and what individuals can do to help fight against the injustice." -- Amy Lewontin * Library Journal *
"It’s fascinating to read biographies of Black women, particularly those for women as complex and layered as Louise Thompson Patterson.... Gilyard offers a look at one of the most dynamic Black women who’s ever walked the Earth." -- Evette Dionne * Bitch *
"
Louise Thompson Patterson is the finest sort of biography: impeccably researched and chock full of detail, it also compels the reader by crafting a powerful image of the world in which Louise and her comrades lived and struggled.... Gilyard has offered a masterful portrayal of a key figure in 20th century American history; more importantly his work reminds us there are heroes—imperfect people, like all humans, yet heroes nonetheless—whose commitment, idealism, and perseverance can still serve as an inspiration for us today." -- Hans Rollman * PopMatters *
"[T]he story of a highly engaged African American Leftist who remained true to her convictions over the course of the 20th century. Recommended. Upper-division undergraduates and above." -- J. E. Anderson * Choice *
"Keith Gilyard offers deep and invaluable insight into the life of one of the most important Black leftists of the twentieth century." -- Charisse Burden-Stelly * Black Perspectives *
"A compelling narrative of political development. . . . We are fortunate to have Gilyard’s informed, sensitive account of a Black woman of the Left." -- Cheryl Higashida * Against the Current *
"This pioneering biography deftly contributes to the emerging historiography on radical black feminists." -- Anthony J. Stanonis * Journal of American History *
"Louise Thompson Patterson has brought Patterson’s story to life through abundant research and appropriate admiration." -- Paul Buhle * Science & Society *
"
Louise Thompson Patterson is a compelling, descriptive, and engaging narrative. . . . A welcome addition to existing biographical studies on radical black women political leaders." -- LaShawn Harris * Left History *
Table of ContentsList of Abbreviations ix
Acknowledgments xi
Introduction 1
1. Louise Alone, 1901–1916 7
2. California Community, 1917–1925 26
3. Shades of Control, 1925–1928 42
4. Harlem Kaleidoscope, 1928–1932 61
5. Madam Moscow, 1932 81
6. The Struggle Has Nine Lives, 1932–1934 97
7. Popular Fronts, 1935–1937 113
8. Ba Ba Ba Bop, 1937–1940 129
9. Bronzeville Brigades, 1941–1949 145
10. Sojourns and Sojourners, 1949–1959 162
11. A Fairer Public Hearing, 1960–1969 182
12. Confirming Commitments, 1970–1984 195
13. Still Reaching, 1984–1999 212
Notes 231
Bibliography 271
Index 283
