Louise Thompson Patterson: A Life of Struggle for Justice

by Keith Gilyard

Born in 1901, Louise Thompson Patterson was a leading and transformative figure in radical African American politics. Throughout most of the twentieth century she embodied a dedicated resistance to racial, economic, and gender exploitation. In this, the first biography of Patterson, Keith Gilyard tells her compelling story, from her childhood on the West Coast, where she suffered isolation and persecution, to her participation in the Harlem Renaissance and beyond. In the 1930s and 1940s she became central, along with Paul Robeson, to the labor movement, and later, in the 1950s, she steered proto-black-feminist activities. Patterson was also crucial to the efforts in the 1970s to free political prisoners, most notably Angela Davis. In the 1980s and 1990s she continued to work as a progressive activist and public intellectual. To read her story is to witness the courage, sacrifice, vision, and discipline of someone who spent decades working to achieve justice and liberation for all.

Genres: Biography, History, Nonfiction, Race, Biography Memoir

328 pages, Paperback

Published October 5, 2017

Reviews

[Carly · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Organizing is a fine art. I have worked at it all of my adult life."

Before picking up this book, I had never heard of Louise Thompson Patterson. Which is a shame, because she was an incredibly fascinating woman who influenced the movers and shakers of the Harlem Renaissance, the American Communist party, and the Civil Rights movement. Louise's story is an unlikely and amazing one, from her eclectic, peripatetic childhood, her tempestuous first marriage, to her struggles with her ability to "pass," her deep friendship with Langston Hughes and her bitter rivalry with Zora Neale Hurston, her leadership that brought together a collaboration with a Jewish organisation to fight for universal rights, her travels behind the Iron Curtain, and her lifelong loyalty to the Communist Party. The book is incredibly thorough and each page, often festooned with casual mentions of dozens of names, reads a bit like a Who's Who of the Harlem Renaissance-- which, unfortunately, would be more entertaining if I actually knew who was who.

The book deftly describes Patterson's life, not only her virtues, but also uncompromisingly explores her flaws. Yet despite learning so much about her life, I am not sure I ever really understood what motivated her, and I absolutely failed to grasp her obstinate faith in the Soviet Union, even to the point of repeatedly switching sides as the Communist policy on the Nazis changed again and again. Perhaps most impressive of all was her ability to survive on a career in political organizing. Patterson was a fascinating complex woman who influenced generation upon generation of civil rights organizers. If you're curious about her life-- and are more well-versed in the history of the time than I am-- this book is well worth a read.

~~I received an advanced reader copy of this book through Netgalley from the publisher, Duke University Press, in exchange for my honest review.~~

Cross-posted on BookLikes.

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

The time between the Harlem Renaissance and the Civil Rights movement was interesting - this book taught me that. As an activist during that time period, Louise Thompson Patterson lead the way for future generations of activists and encouraged them to do the important work they lead in the 1960's and 70's. I honestly knew very little about the individuals and work involved in that time period until I read this book. This new understanding has changed my perspective of America in the early part of the 20th century.
The thing I found most interesting about Louise's story is her association with the Communist party and Russia. During the 1930's, this wasn't too big of a deal. However, during the 50's and 60's, a closeness with Russia was a much more tenuous relationship. Louise's trip to Russia in the 30's especially intrigued and fascinated me - what a strange intermixing of so many different issues, cultures, and ideologies.
This is an excellent book for activists to read for a better understanding of the issues leading up to the Civil Rights movement and also for some connection with Louise and her activism.

[BMR, LCSW · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't remember how I found out about this book. It was either on the New Releases table at the library, or it was a source reference in a bibliography. However it landed on my radar, I am so grateful it did.

The scholarship on key players in the civil rights and labor rights movements has not given proper coverage to the women in the movements. The story of Louise Thompson Patterson shared here puts another piece of the puzzle in place, allowing us to get a fuller picture of the struggles for (ethnic and gender) equality, equal pay, and workers' rights. The most fascinating parts of the story are when Louise went to Russia, when Louise moved to NYC and became a peer/confidant of Langston Hughes as part the Harlem Renaissance, and her incredible later-in-life activism.

Recommended for labor and human rights history scholars.

[Alice Vachss · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a good biography and Keith Gilyard is brilliant at it. His writing voice is natural, clear, and compelling and his research is impeccable. But what makes this book stand out most is the respect it shows its subject. Louise Thompson Patterson fought with her whole being and her entire life for what she believed in. I don't share many of those beliefs. But Gilyard takes us past politics to allow us to see her as the hero she truly was. He has the ability to honor all struggles for justice, whether against racism or corruption or fascism, whether feminist, or child protective or pro unionization, without diminishing any of them to enhance another. He puts Patterson in the middle of that whole mix and lets her speak for herself. Bravo.

[Mills College Library]

Biog P316g 2017