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Freedom's Daughters: How a Generation of Black Women Resisted Oppression Through Literacy and Education
Not yet published
Expected 6 Oct 26Freedom's How Literacy and Education Became a Form of Resistance for a Generation of Black Women by Celeste Headlee is a forthcoming title from Flatiron Books.
320 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication October 6, 2026
About the author
Celeste Headlee
7 books321 followersCeleste Headlee is an internationally recognized journalist and radio host, professional speaker and author of bestselling book We Need To Talk, Do Nothing, Speaking of Race, You’re Cute When You’re Mad and It Starts with Self-Compassion. Her newest book is Freedom's Daughters, to be released in October of 2026. She teaches journalism at Morgan State University.
Her TEDx Talk, 10 Ways to Have a Better Conversation, has been viewed more than 40 million times. Close to 50,000 talks have been given at 10,000 events since the TED program launched in 2009, and Celeste’s talk is one of the 10 most-watched talks posted on TED’s homepage.
In her 25-year career in public radio, Celeste has anchored programs including Tell Me More, Talk of the Nation, Here and Now, All Things Considered, and Weekend Edition. She also served as co-host of the national morning news show, The Takeaway, from PRI and WNYC, and on the award-winning investigative podcasts "Big Sugar" and "Freeway Phantom."
Celeste is also the president and CEO of Headway DEI, a non-profit that works to bring racial justice and equity to organizations through science-based training, and she serves on the board for the National Center for Race Amity. Celeste is the granddaughter of composer William Grant Still, known as the Dean of Black American Composers and she is a trained operatic soprano. She lives in the DC area with rescue dog, Samus, and too many plants.
Celeste’s work and insights have been featured on TODAY, Psychology Today, Inc., NPR, Time, Essence, Elle, BuzzFeed, Salon, Parade, and many more. She has presented to over 100 companies, conferences and universities including Apple, Google, United Airlines, Duke University, Chobani and ESPN, and received the 2019 Media Changemaker Award.
Her TEDx Talk, 10 Ways to Have a Better Conversation, has been viewed more than 40 million times. Close to 50,000 talks have been given at 10,000 events since the TED program launched in 2009, and Celeste’s talk is one of the 10 most-watched talks posted on TED’s homepage.
In her 25-year career in public radio, Celeste has anchored programs including Tell Me More, Talk of the Nation, Here and Now, All Things Considered, and Weekend Edition. She also served as co-host of the national morning news show, The Takeaway, from PRI and WNYC, and on the award-winning investigative podcasts "Big Sugar" and "Freeway Phantom."
Celeste is also the president and CEO of Headway DEI, a non-profit that works to bring racial justice and equity to organizations through science-based training, and she serves on the board for the National Center for Race Amity. Celeste is the granddaughter of composer William Grant Still, known as the Dean of Black American Composers and she is a trained operatic soprano. She lives in the DC area with rescue dog, Samus, and too many plants.
Celeste’s work and insights have been featured on TODAY, Psychology Today, Inc., NPR, Time, Essence, Elle, BuzzFeed, Salon, Parade, and many more. She has presented to over 100 companies, conferences and universities including Apple, Google, United Airlines, Duke University, Chobani and ESPN, and received the 2019 Media Changemaker Award.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Disclaimer: I received an ARC via Netgalley.
The subtitle for Freedom’s Daughters is slightly misleading, but that should not stop you from picking up Headlee’s excellent book that focuses on her great grandmother, Carrie Still Shepperson.
And honestly, I am considering assigning this to my students.
Headlee’s book is one part family detective story as she researches her family’s history, that of her mother. At times, the book feels like a detective story. Yet, to call it that would in many ways cheapen it. What Headlee is coming to terms with his family story versus family history, as well as why the family story is different than the actual history.
In other words, the various types of intergenerational trauma that racism, slavery, and Jim Crow inflicted/inflict on the African American community.
The book isn’t about the family history, but also about the importance of education. In this regard Headlee places her great grandmother in context, detailing not only Carrie Still Shepperson’s work in education and Civil Rights. This extends to the end of the book where Headlee mediates on what she learned, the importance of history, and whose history should be told. She makes a very compelling case that Carrie Still Shepperson should be better known, as should undoubtedly many African American women. (She also writes the best reasoning behind using the word enslaved as opposed to slaves that I have ever read).
Today, the historical record is under attack on what feels like a daily basis by the current administration, an administration that seems to believe that if you tell a story about someone other than a white, cis male you are telling fake history. There was a man who said during a Congressional hearing that it doesn’t matter that some of the Founders enslaved people. Headlee’s book pushes back at those disingenuous lies. It is a book that should be assigned in every school because it illustrates the importance of those stories that do not make it into standard history texts.
The subtitle for Freedom’s Daughters is slightly misleading, but that should not stop you from picking up Headlee’s excellent book that focuses on her great grandmother, Carrie Still Shepperson.
And honestly, I am considering assigning this to my students.
Headlee’s book is one part family detective story as she researches her family’s history, that of her mother. At times, the book feels like a detective story. Yet, to call it that would in many ways cheapen it. What Headlee is coming to terms with his family story versus family history, as well as why the family story is different than the actual history.
In other words, the various types of intergenerational trauma that racism, slavery, and Jim Crow inflicted/inflict on the African American community.
The book isn’t about the family history, but also about the importance of education. In this regard Headlee places her great grandmother in context, detailing not only Carrie Still Shepperson’s work in education and Civil Rights. This extends to the end of the book where Headlee mediates on what she learned, the importance of history, and whose history should be told. She makes a very compelling case that Carrie Still Shepperson should be better known, as should undoubtedly many African American women. (She also writes the best reasoning behind using the word enslaved as opposed to slaves that I have ever read).
Today, the historical record is under attack on what feels like a daily basis by the current administration, an administration that seems to believe that if you tell a story about someone other than a white, cis male you are telling fake history. There was a man who said during a Congressional hearing that it doesn’t matter that some of the Founders enslaved people. Headlee’s book pushes back at those disingenuous lies. It is a book that should be assigned in every school because it illustrates the importance of those stories that do not make it into standard history texts.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is a passionate, fierce and heart-filled narrative about courageous Black women whose fight for literacy and education contributed more to the civil rights movement than has been recognized. It adds so much to the American history narrative - highlighting the Black women whose fight for freedom made all of us the better for it.
The author forces on two ancestors - her great great grandmother, Ann Frambo who skimped and saved to put her daughters through college, and her great grandmother, Carrie Still Shepperson, who forms the central part of the book. It’s a book that’s part memoir, part history and part biography blended into an informative story that’s so inspiring. Shepperson’s story is amazing - she “built schools across the South, equipped them at her own expense and established libraries.” She was active in the NAACP. Her one son is considered to be the Dean of African American Composers. After reading this book this woman and all the others mentioned are so worthy of being recognized and not forgotten.
I loved the spirit of this book - not only its fiercely proud writing style but the author’s dogged determination and search for her ancestor’s story. I enjoyed how author blended her thoughts and the history behind them and her relatives - these flowed so well. And I especially enjoyed that this book was published bringing to light in this age of DEI women that should not be erased and if not recognized before, be given light. These are among the reasons I gave this book five stars. My sincere appreciation goes out to Celeste Headlee for writing this book. We who have read it are all the more better for it.
My thanks to NetGalley and Flatiron Books for granting me access to this remarkable ARC.
The author forces on two ancestors - her great great grandmother, Ann Frambo who skimped and saved to put her daughters through college, and her great grandmother, Carrie Still Shepperson, who forms the central part of the book. It’s a book that’s part memoir, part history and part biography blended into an informative story that’s so inspiring. Shepperson’s story is amazing - she “built schools across the South, equipped them at her own expense and established libraries.” She was active in the NAACP. Her one son is considered to be the Dean of African American Composers. After reading this book this woman and all the others mentioned are so worthy of being recognized and not forgotten.
I loved the spirit of this book - not only its fiercely proud writing style but the author’s dogged determination and search for her ancestor’s story. I enjoyed how author blended her thoughts and the history behind them and her relatives - these flowed so well. And I especially enjoyed that this book was published bringing to light in this age of DEI women that should not be erased and if not recognized before, be given light. These are among the reasons I gave this book five stars. My sincere appreciation goes out to Celeste Headlee for writing this book. We who have read it are all the more better for it.
My thanks to NetGalley and Flatiron Books for granting me access to this remarkable ARC.
Read
August 10, 2026Freedom's Daughters is author Celeste Headlee's thorough research on the Reconstruction period in the US. Drawing on personal records from her family, genealogical research and numerous archival records, Headlee creates an intimate portrait of women during this time. Frequently heartbreaking, this book is an unusual and much needed account of Blacks after the Civil War. This book is an incredible read. I was lucky enough to receive an advance audio copy from #Netgalley. I highly recommend enjoying this book in that format. Read by the author, the experience is amazingly personal and intimate. Freedom's Daughters is one of my favorite reads of 2026.Freedom's Daughters is author Celeste Headlee's thorough research on the Reconstruction period in the US. Drawing on personal records from her family, genealogical research and numerous archival records, Headlee creates an intimate portrait of women during this time. Frequently heartbreaking, this book is an unusual and much needed account of Blacks after the Civil War. This book is an incredible read. I was lucky enough to receive an advance audio copy from #Netgalley. I highly recommend enjoying this book in that format. Read by the author, the experience is amazingly personal and intimate. Freedom's Daughters is one of my favorite reads of 2026.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
*Thank you NetGalley for the advance reading copy of this wonderful book*
If you think you know the history of American education, read this book. It tells the incredible true stories of the black women who risked everything to build schools and teach newly emancipated people how to read after the Civil War and beyond. Celeste Headlee's newest book Freedom's Daughters: How a Generation of Black Women Resisted Oppression Through Literacy and Education, is a tribute to the women who fought to bring education to newly liberated African Americans. A salute to her own family starting with her Great-Grandmother as the anchor of the crusade to learning as a family tradition. But Headlee doesn't just include her heroic family with a focus on the females, she creatively weaves the parallel of history including the obstacles for African Americans looking for access to schools. A testimonial to the resilience it took and how education served as the ultimate tool for a better future. I highly recommend this book for anyone looking for American history, biographical readers, educators, advocates, and book clubs looking for a thought provoking read and the power of community.
If you think you know the history of American education, read this book. It tells the incredible true stories of the black women who risked everything to build schools and teach newly emancipated people how to read after the Civil War and beyond. Celeste Headlee's newest book Freedom's Daughters: How a Generation of Black Women Resisted Oppression Through Literacy and Education, is a tribute to the women who fought to bring education to newly liberated African Americans. A salute to her own family starting with her Great-Grandmother as the anchor of the crusade to learning as a family tradition. But Headlee doesn't just include her heroic family with a focus on the females, she creatively weaves the parallel of history including the obstacles for African Americans looking for access to schools. A testimonial to the resilience it took and how education served as the ultimate tool for a better future. I highly recommend this book for anyone looking for American history, biographical readers, educators, advocates, and book clubs looking for a thought provoking read and the power of community.
August 1, 2026
What an incredible book. I came into this expecting to learn about Black women's advocacy and empowerment through literacy and education, but was surprised (in a great way) by the intertwining of the author's own ancestry in this work. She balances building historical context in an unflinching way, sharing what she knows and has learned of her great grandmother's life, offering complex and nuanced introspections on really philosophical topics (e.g., to what extent is it okay for descendants to dig into their family's stories if they were intentionally kept private), and documenting the ways in which Black women emphasized and engaged deeply in the education of their families and communities.
There is a lot in here that will stick with me, particularly the erasure of Black women from the historical record despite their effort, resilience, and community action being a driving force for societal change. And while I came for the emphasis on Black women and education, I cannot speak highly enough of the way in which the author intertwined her family story and deeply complex and charged realities of this genealogical research.
There is a lot in here that will stick with me, particularly the erasure of Black women from the historical record despite their effort, resilience, and community action being a driving force for societal change. And while I came for the emphasis on Black women and education, I cannot speak highly enough of the way in which the author intertwined her family story and deeply complex and charged realities of this genealogical research.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4.5 stars
I thoroughly enjoyed listening to Freedom’s Daughters. It was part women’s history and part family memoir. The personal connection and investigation into her family history made the story more compelling. The author’s premise that the first generation of African American women born into freedom in the South had a unique experience was well argued/defended. They were raised to strive in an environment beyond slavery but before Jim Crow where the possibilities for advancement were optimistic. As the story progressed, the rise of the KKK and lynching as protests against black literacy and enfranchisement in the South. In this backdrop, the author’s great grandmother, Carrie Still Shepperson navigated the triumphs and tragedies of the reconstruction era as an educator and civil rights activist.
We have systematically erased marginalized groups and their experiences so books like these are essential to bring attention to a more inclusive and accurate retelling of the past.
*Thanks to Macmillan Audio & NetGalley for the free copy
I thoroughly enjoyed listening to Freedom’s Daughters. It was part women’s history and part family memoir. The personal connection and investigation into her family history made the story more compelling. The author’s premise that the first generation of African American women born into freedom in the South had a unique experience was well argued/defended. They were raised to strive in an environment beyond slavery but before Jim Crow where the possibilities for advancement were optimistic. As the story progressed, the rise of the KKK and lynching as protests against black literacy and enfranchisement in the South. In this backdrop, the author’s great grandmother, Carrie Still Shepperson navigated the triumphs and tragedies of the reconstruction era as an educator and civil rights activist.
We have systematically erased marginalized groups and their experiences so books like these are essential to bring attention to a more inclusive and accurate retelling of the past.
*Thanks to Macmillan Audio & NetGalley for the free copy
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
***Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for the opportunity to review an ALC copy of the audiobook for this work***
This book should be required reading!
A compelling, moving, well-researched, and extremely informative history of the contributions of Black women in the 19th and 20th centuries. Told through the lens of the author's great-grandmother's history, the book outlines the often neglected contributions of Black women from slavery, through Reconstruction, and throughout the "Progressive Era" and the first half of the 20th century. The audiobook is narrated by the author, and is a moving portrait of the impact the author's great-grandmother made on her family, her community, and the country as a whole. I was so excited to read this book, and it exceeded every expectation!
This book should be required reading!
A compelling, moving, well-researched, and extremely informative history of the contributions of Black women in the 19th and 20th centuries. Told through the lens of the author's great-grandmother's history, the book outlines the often neglected contributions of Black women from slavery, through Reconstruction, and throughout the "Progressive Era" and the first half of the 20th century. The audiobook is narrated by the author, and is a moving portrait of the impact the author's great-grandmother made on her family, her community, and the country as a whole. I was so excited to read this book, and it exceeded every expectation!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is a heart-breaking but hopeful tale of the author's quest to understand her ancestors, sorting the truth from oft-told tales and celebrating the women who overcame impossible circumstances to leave a legacy that should not be forgotten. It is well-researched but more personal than academic, blending the characters into the broader context of their experiences in one of America's most horrific chapters.
Headlee's voice echoes through the pages of this book in a celebration of her heritage and a call to remember those whose stories have been forgotten.
Thank you to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an ARC of this book.
Headlee's voice echoes through the pages of this book in a celebration of her heritage and a call to remember those whose stories have been forgotten.
Thank you to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an ARC of this book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was such a compelling story dissecting the courageous work of Black women and their contributions to literacy for Black Americans.
I liked how the author followed the life of her great-grandmother and highlighted the impact of her life both privately and publicly. I also liked how the author identified and analyzed the intersectionality of Black women as it relates to their activism in Black liberation.
Each aspect of the book described the ways in which Black women advocated and fought for access and equity in the sphere of literacy and education.
I liked how the author followed the life of her great-grandmother and highlighted the impact of her life both privately and publicly. I also liked how the author identified and analyzed the intersectionality of Black women as it relates to their activism in Black liberation.
Each aspect of the book described the ways in which Black women advocated and fought for access and equity in the sphere of literacy and education.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Freedom’s Daughters by Celeste Headlee is worth checking out. It covers a really important part of history but keeps things super interesting and easy to follow. You can tell the author cares a lot about the topic, especially since she includes personal stories about her own great-grandmother. It makes the whole history lesson feel less like a boring school class and more like a great story.
The pacing gets a tiny bit slow in a few spots during the middle, but it still does a great job keeping you hooked.
The pacing gets a tiny bit slow in a few spots during the middle, but it still does a great job keeping you hooked.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was an insightful and thought-provoking read that shines a light on history through compelling storytelling and rich detail. Celeste Headlee presents important subjects in an engaging and accessible way, making it both informative and impactful. I walked away having learned something new and with plenty to reflect on. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book is about Celeste Headlee's family. Her family lived through a lot of hard times and prejudice. Her family, especially her great-grandmother Cara, were very instrumental in advancing the rights of black people. In fact, Carrie worked all her live for the cause. I really liked the way she interwove history and her family's part in it. There is a lot of heartbreaking history in this book, but her ancestors never gave up. I learned a lot from this informative book!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Freedom's Daughters uncovers the hidden history of Black women during the 19th and 20th century. Carrie Still Shepperson, is Celeste Headlee's great grandmother while there is so much love for her family history Headlee goes into the historical background from the Elaine twelve and the historical precedence going forward. I can't emphasize enough how inspiring this book is, while its a difficult read it's one that should be read everywhere.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book arrives at just the right moment—America’s 250th anniversary. It was fascinating to read about the importance of Black literary societies, how Black Americans educated themselves and one another, and its potential as a roadmap for what we might need to do in the future.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
Interesting and well-researched book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is an amazing book first of all but it is very difficult to read due to the subject matter. I read it as part of the Summer 1 million readers read a book by a black author hosted by melanatedreader. This book was overwhelming with information. I learned so much. And by reading this I realized how much I do not know about slavery and black history.
Thanks to author, publisher and NetGalley for my copy to read.
Thanks to author, publisher and NetGalley for my copy to read.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews