Fearless: How a poor Virginia seamstress took on Jim Crow, beat the poll tax and changed her city forever.

by Charlene Butts Ligon

FEARLESS: How a poor Virginia seamstress took on Jim Crow, beat the poll tax and changed her city forever is about Evelyn T. Butts. A poor seamstress who became a forceful and courageous voting rights champion and won a landmark U.S. Supreme Court case that abolished the poll tax. In FEARLESS, we see Mrs. Butts as a mother and active citizen who works tirelessly to improve the lives of family members and neighbors, while also joining or leading battles against discrimination in employment, public schools, neighborhood services and voter access. While Norfolk, Virginia, and its environs are the backdrop for the story of Evelyn Butts' life and activism, there are lessons that can apply to all communities and readers of all ages. There are always new obstacles, even in voting rights, the poll tax was an important part of American history that should not be forgotten because we must stay vigilant about continued attempts at voter suppression, which keeps coming back in new forms. That's why we need to continue to learn and keep the message going from generation to generation. "When she saw an injustice, she organized to make change. She was a powerful force to be reckoned with, loved by many, feared by others. She knew the meaning of persistence and subsequently was a powerful influence," Ligon said. "I'm hoping that this book will appeal to young readers especially. People need to participate, and I think this book can help guide them."

217 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 9, 2017

About the author

Charlene Butts Ligon is the daughter of Evelyn T. Butts. She is a retired Air Force master sergeant and lives in Bellevue, Nebraska with her husband Robert. Charlene is an entrepreneur, publisher and author. She is the Chair of the Sarpy County Democratic Party and Secretary of the Nebraska Democratic Party.

Reviews

[Michael]

Evelyn Butts was an amazing citizen, whose story needs to be known by anyone interested in the civil rights and voting rights histories of the 1950s and 1960s, as well as beyond. I recommend this book, FEARLESS, by her daughter Charlene Butts Ligon. It's well-told and weaves in civil rights history and the context of the times, along with poignant touches about Mrs. Butts' family life and how she used her seamstress skills to help promote the elections of African Americans in Norfolk, Va. Inspiring.

[Lisa Pelto · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating. I loved this story of a strong woman standing up against Goliath and winning. Highly recommended for anyone who has anything to do with politics, government, justice, racial equality, and the overall American dream.

[Karen Fox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read! A beautiful history lesson.