Vanguard

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

By: Martha S. Jones

Narrated by: Mela Lee

An essential history of African American women’s pursuit of political power—and how it transformed America

“Elegant and expansive.” —New York Times

Winner of the Los Angeles Times Book Prize for History

Named a Best Book of the Year by Ms. • Time • Foreign Affairs • Smithsonian

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.  
 
Vanguard is essential reading for anyone who cares about the past and future of American democracy.

I learned so much!

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.

A Must Read For US History Teachers

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.

Insightful

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.

Inspirational History

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.

Very informative book

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