'The Rebellious Life of Mrs. Rosa Parks' by Jeanne Theoharis unveils the complexities of a woman often mischaracterized as simply a tired seamstress. Delving deep into Rosa Parks' life, it showcases her as a fierce activist who played a pivotal role in the civil rights movement, challenging systemic injustice at every turn. The book reveals her commitment to social equity and the radical roots of her activism, often overshadowed by her iconic bus boycott image. Readers will discover the depth of her battles beyond that fateful day in Montgomery, including her ongoing struggle for human rights. This compelling biography invites readers to reconsider the true legacy of Rosa Parks—far more revolutionary than meets the eye.
By Jeanne Theoharis
Published: 2015
""Each of us is a vital part of the fight for justice; change is sparked not by silence but by the brave proclamations of our truths.""
"Jeanne’s book not only inspired the documentary but has been a catalyst in changing our national understanding of Rosa Parks. Highly recommend!”—Soledad O’Brien, executive producer of the Peabody Award–winning documentary The Rebellious Life of Mrs. Rosa Parks 2014 NAACP Image Award Winner: Outstanding Literary Work–Biography/Autobiography 2013 Letitia Woods Brown Award from the Association of Black Women Historians Choice Top 25 Academic Titles for 2013 The definitive political biography of Rosa Parks examines her six decades of activism, challenging perceptions of her as an accidental actor in the civil rights movement. This revised edition includes a new introduction by the author, who reflects on materials in the Rosa Parks estate, purchased by Howard Buffett in 2014 and opened to the public at the Library of Congress in February 2015. Theoharis contextualizes this rich material—made available to the public for the very first time and including more than seven thousand documents—and deepens our understanding of Parks’s personal, financial, and political struggles. Presenting a powerful corrective to the popular iconography of Rosa Parks as the quiet seamstress who with a single act birthed the modern civil rights movement, scholar Jeanne Theoharis excavates Parks’s political philosophy and six decades of activism. Theoharis masterfully details the political depth of a national heroine who dedicated her life to fighting American inequality and, in the process, resurrects a civil rights movement radical who has been hidden in plain sight far too long.
Jeanne Theoharis is a distinguished scholar and author known for her insightful exploration of civil rights history and contemporary social justice issues. She is the author of notable works including 'The Rebellious Life of Mrs. Rosa Parks,' which offers a comprehensive biography of the civil rights icon, and 'A More Beautiful and Terrible History: The Uses and Misuses of Civil Rights History.' Her writing is characterized by a rigorous historical analysis combined with a compelling narrative style that makes her work accessible and engaging to a broad audience. Theoharis is a professor at Brooklyn College and has contributed significantly to discussions on race, resistance, and the complexities of American history.
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In 'A Universe from Nothing', acclaimed physicist Lawrence M. Krauss takes readers on a fascinating journey into the origins of the universe. He argues that something can emerge from nothing, challenging traditional notions of creation. Through compelling stories and cutting-edge science, Krauss reveals the cosmic framework that underpins our existence. The book raises profound questions about the nature of reality and the universe’s grand design. Prepare to rethink everything you thought you knew about the cosmos!
Dive into the inspiring journey of Sam Walton, the visionary founder of Walmart, who revolutionized retailing with innovative strategies and an unwavering focus on customer service. Discover how his humble beginnings shaped his entrepreneurial spirit and led to the creation of one of the world's largest retail empires. Walton's insights into leadership, value, and competitive spirit provide invaluable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs. But what secrets did he uncover that propelled him to extraordinary success? Unravel the man behind the brand and his extraordinary quest for excellence in retail.
'Super Pumped' by Mike Isaac delves into the meteoric rise and turbulent fall of Uber, exploring the audacious vision of its founder, Travis Kalanick. As the company shakes up the transportation industry, ethical dilemmas and personal struggles emerge, painting a vivid portrait of ambition and chaos. Readers will be captivated by the fierce battles within the company and the relentless drive for success. Intriguingly, this narrative reveals the dark side of tech innovation and startup culture, leaving you questioning the cost of disruption. Prepare to be enthralled by a story of power, greed, and the quest for dominance in a rapidly changing world.
Dive into the extraordinary life of Nelson Mandela as chronicled by Barry Denenberg. This captivating biography unveils the journey of a boy from a small South African village to a global symbol of peace and resilience. Discover how Mandela's relentless fight against apartheid, his years of imprisonment, and his incredible leadership transformed a nation. With heart-wrenching challenges and triumphant victories, this story inspires hope and underscores the power of forgiveness. Join Denenberg in exploring the legacy of a man who changed the world, and be prepared to rethink justice and humanity.
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In a world teetering on the brink of war, three seemingly unconnected characters—an amoral torturer, a reluctant nobleman, and a barbarian warrior—find their fates intertwined. As political tension escalates, their individual struggles reveal the murky line between heroism and villainy. With dark humor and gritty realism, Abercrombie crafts a tale where each choice leads to dire consequences. Trust is a luxury few can afford, and loyalty is often a guise for betrayal. Dive into this brutal journey where the blade is just as likely to be plunged into a friend as an enemy.
In 'The Book of Strange New Things,' Michel Faber spins a mesmerizing tale of Peter, a dedicated missionary sent to a distant planet to share his faith with an alien race. As Peter immerses himself in the strange new world and its peculiar inhabitants, he grapples with the profound distance from his wife, Bea, left on a ravaged Earth. Their correspondence unveils the stark contrast between the unfolding wonders of the alien society and the chaos of their own planet, raising questions of love, faith, and sacrifice. Themes of connection and isolation intertwine, propelling Peter into a moral quandary that challenges everything he holds dear. This thought-provoking journey blurs the lines between humanity and the unknown, beckoning readers to ponder the true cost of belief in a universe full of wonders.
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“"Each of us is a vital part of the fight for justice; change is sparked not by silence but by the brave proclamations of our truths."”
The Rebellious Life of Mrs. Rosa Parks
By Jeanne Theoharis
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