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For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Politics
The four most powerful African American women in politics share the story of their friendship and how it has changed politics in America.
The lives of black women in American politics are remarkably absent from the shelves of bookstores and libraries. For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Politics is a sweeping view of American history from the vantage points of four women who have lived and worked behind the scenes in politics for over thirty years—Donna Brazile, Yolanda Caraway, Leah Daughtry, and Minyon Moore—a group of women who call themselves The Colored Girls. Like many people who have spent their careers in public service, they view their lives in four-year waves where presidential campaigns and elections have been common threads. For most of the Colored Girls, their story starts with Jesse Jackson’s first campaign for president. From there, they went on to work on the presidential campaigns of Walter Mondale, Michael Dukakis, Bill Clinton, Al Gore, Barack Obama and Hillary Rodham Clinton.
Over the years, they’ve filled many roles: in the corporate world, on campaigns, in unions, in churches, in their own businesses and in the White House. Through all of this, they’ve worked with those who have shaped our country’s history—US Presidents such as Bill Clinton and Barack Obama, well-known political figures such as Terry McAuliffe and Howard Dean, and legendary activists and historical figures such as Jesse Jackson, Coretta Scott King, and Betty Shabazz.
For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Politics is filled with personal stories that bring to life heroic figures we all know and introduce us to some of those who’ve worked behind the scenes but are still hidden. Whatever their perch, the Colored Girls are always focused on the larger goal of “hurrying history” so that every American — regardless of race, gender or religious background — can have a seat at the table. This is their story.
The lives of black women in American politics are remarkably absent from the shelves of bookstores and libraries. For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Politics is a sweeping view of American history from the vantage points of four women who have lived and worked behind the scenes in politics for over thirty years—Donna Brazile, Yolanda Caraway, Leah Daughtry, and Minyon Moore—a group of women who call themselves The Colored Girls. Like many people who have spent their careers in public service, they view their lives in four-year waves where presidential campaigns and elections have been common threads. For most of the Colored Girls, their story starts with Jesse Jackson’s first campaign for president. From there, they went on to work on the presidential campaigns of Walter Mondale, Michael Dukakis, Bill Clinton, Al Gore, Barack Obama and Hillary Rodham Clinton.
Over the years, they’ve filled many roles: in the corporate world, on campaigns, in unions, in churches, in their own businesses and in the White House. Through all of this, they’ve worked with those who have shaped our country’s history—US Presidents such as Bill Clinton and Barack Obama, well-known political figures such as Terry McAuliffe and Howard Dean, and legendary activists and historical figures such as Jesse Jackson, Coretta Scott King, and Betty Shabazz.
For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Politics is filled with personal stories that bring to life heroic figures we all know and introduce us to some of those who’ve worked behind the scenes but are still hidden. Whatever their perch, the Colored Girls are always focused on the larger goal of “hurrying history” so that every American — regardless of race, gender or religious background — can have a seat at the table. This is their story.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published October 2, 2018
81 people are currently reading
1050 people want to read
About the author
Donna Brazile
5 books52 followersDonna Brazile is an American author, educator, and political activist and strategist affiliated with the Democratic Party. She was the first African-American to direct a major presidential campaign.
Brazile was born in Kenner, Louisiana to Lionel and Jean Brazile, the third of nine children. She became interested in politics at age nine when a local candidate for office promised to build a neighborhood playground. After graduating from LSU, Brazile worked for several advocacy groups in Washington, D.C., and was instrumental in the successful campaign to make Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday a federal holiday.
Brazile was born in Kenner, Louisiana to Lionel and Jean Brazile, the third of nine children. She became interested in politics at age nine when a local candidate for office promised to build a neighborhood playground. After graduating from LSU, Brazile worked for several advocacy groups in Washington, D.C., and was instrumental in the successful campaign to make Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday a federal holiday.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
October 20, 2018
This book is not only "for colored girls who have considered politics" but also for everyone interested in behind-the-scenes politics: how political campaigns work, how social change is effected over the decades, and how each generation of activists (ideally) passes its experiences on to the next. I especially recommend it to white activists who, like me, recognize only one of the co-authors' names when they first they pick up the book. In the mainstream media Donna Brazile is the most visible, as a former chair of the Democratic National Committee and author of her own book about the 2016 election, Hacks. The other three -- Leah Daughtry, Yolanda Caraway, and Minyon Moore -- are equally accomplished and equally inspiring.
These four women come from diverse places (Chicago, New York City, upstate New York, and Louisiana) and circumstances. Each of their individual stories could fill a book, but to me what makes For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Politics special and so important is how it underscores the easily overlooked truth: that politics, including political activism, is essentially about the connections between people. Through these connections, activists learn the lessons of their predecessors, sustain each other, and swing the door open for more to come in.
The book is loosely structured around particular political campaigns. Looming especially large are Jesse Jackson's campaigns for president in 1984 and especially 1988. In the simplified version of our recent history, they are often seen as a sideshow, a curiosity. But for these women, and many other people of color, they became a crucial training ground in how to run a presidential campaign. And they took what they learned into other campaigns, and eventually into the Democratic Party structure and the White House.
After Democrat Doug Jones won his "surprise" victory for the U.S. Senate from Alabama in December 2017, the wider political world finally "woke" to the decisive contribution of African American women that put Jones over the top. (I was about to say that it was white liberals and progressives who finally caught on, but the renewed voter-suppression efforts of white conservatives make it clear that they caught on too.)
This was no fluke, nor is it confined to electoral politics: take the crucial role of women of color in organizing the historic Women's March of January 2017. As a grassroots feminist in the late 1970s and 1980s, I was inspired and challenged most of all by the writings of black women and women of color: Audre Lorde, Barbara Smith, bell hooks, Gloria Anzaldúa, Cherríe Moraga, and so many others. I smiled when I saw, toward the end of For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Politics, references to the Combahee River Collective statement of 1977, which circulated hand to hand in those years before it finally appeared in the landmark 1981 anthology This Bridge Called My Back: Writings by Radical Women of Color, edited by Anzaldúa and Moraga. Reading it for the first time greatly expanded my notions of feminism, and of politics in general.
Daughtry, Caraway, Moore, and Brazile have given us a book that will expand our understanding of what's possible, and in many cases clue us in to what's already going on.
These four women come from diverse places (Chicago, New York City, upstate New York, and Louisiana) and circumstances. Each of their individual stories could fill a book, but to me what makes For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Politics special and so important is how it underscores the easily overlooked truth: that politics, including political activism, is essentially about the connections between people. Through these connections, activists learn the lessons of their predecessors, sustain each other, and swing the door open for more to come in.
The book is loosely structured around particular political campaigns. Looming especially large are Jesse Jackson's campaigns for president in 1984 and especially 1988. In the simplified version of our recent history, they are often seen as a sideshow, a curiosity. But for these women, and many other people of color, they became a crucial training ground in how to run a presidential campaign. And they took what they learned into other campaigns, and eventually into the Democratic Party structure and the White House.
After Democrat Doug Jones won his "surprise" victory for the U.S. Senate from Alabama in December 2017, the wider political world finally "woke" to the decisive contribution of African American women that put Jones over the top. (I was about to say that it was white liberals and progressives who finally caught on, but the renewed voter-suppression efforts of white conservatives make it clear that they caught on too.)
This was no fluke, nor is it confined to electoral politics: take the crucial role of women of color in organizing the historic Women's March of January 2017. As a grassroots feminist in the late 1970s and 1980s, I was inspired and challenged most of all by the writings of black women and women of color: Audre Lorde, Barbara Smith, bell hooks, Gloria Anzaldúa, Cherríe Moraga, and so many others. I smiled when I saw, toward the end of For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Politics, references to the Combahee River Collective statement of 1977, which circulated hand to hand in those years before it finally appeared in the landmark 1981 anthology This Bridge Called My Back: Writings by Radical Women of Color, edited by Anzaldúa and Moraga. Reading it for the first time greatly expanded my notions of feminism, and of politics in general.
Daughtry, Caraway, Moore, and Brazile have given us a book that will expand our understanding of what's possible, and in many cases clue us in to what's already going on.
October 25, 2018
I am buying copies for my "sister" and her circle of friends to read. They are in the mail. Their circle will appreciate this book. I hope they will become in their own ways the powerful friends and women you meet in this book. It does not have to be in politics but the lesson is to make a difference. Depend on and ask help from other women. I want to believe a special friend C would have given us this book to make us all better.
February 2, 2020
"Black leadership has never been a monolith. From the days of W.E.B. Du Bois and Booker T Washington, through the seemingly opposing camps of Martin Luther King Jr. & Malcolm X, there has always been descent over strategy, method, governing principles & end games."
-- Leah Daughtry --
"For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Politics," studies the lives of Black leaders in the civil rights movement from the 1960s to present day. It stresses the impact of community organizing, the power of the black dollar, and the journeys of Donna Brazile, Yolanda Caraway, Lee Daughtry, and Minyon Moore, and what contributed to them entering the political spectrum.
-- Leah Daughtry --
"For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Politics," studies the lives of Black leaders in the civil rights movement from the 1960s to present day. It stresses the impact of community organizing, the power of the black dollar, and the journeys of Donna Brazile, Yolanda Caraway, Lee Daughtry, and Minyon Moore, and what contributed to them entering the political spectrum.
November 21, 2018
Four different women of color that broke barriers and because of growing up during the civil rights movement, became the next generation of women of color that have a passion for politics. I really enjoyed reading about these women, their history, and the people they've come in contact with.
May 15, 2019
I loved this book. I appreciated their openness and candor. I loved the sisterhood they formed. Most importantly I was inspired by how they all supported and encouraged each other. African American women especially do not see the support displayed by these women in any area. To see their unity within the political arena where many would believe it’s easy for one to look out for themselves is impressive. These women have worked hard in the background of American politics for decades. This book reminded me that I don’t have to have a nice shiny degree to get my feet wet and help out in causes I support.
February 6, 2019
bit of a bummer, really. i'll admit to being in it for Ms. Brazile but it was kind of disjointed and I really couldn't follow the main people it was about. i think it would've been helped with photos with their names so i could picture who was who. very dishy, but dishy gets boring when you have no idea who the stories are about.
and only a smidge of clear advice of what to do if you're a colored woman wanting to get into politics.
and only a smidge of clear advice of what to do if you're a colored woman wanting to get into politics.
March 16, 2019
3.5 out of 5 Stars
Ah, it kills me to give this book such a low rating. This is not a bad book, its just doesn't have a flow, particularly when you get into the middle of the book.
The start of the books covers the history of the four women, as they grew up during the civil rights and how that influenced their life and their call to activism. They also take time to discuss and honor the women that came before them, that fought for rights particularly when it came to black women. Its when they first get into politics that the book begins to meander around. Its like they want to fit so much into the book random chapters just get shoved in wherever they can. One chapter is about the early stages of a campaign and then its discussing the funeral of Whitney Houston and the next chapter is back to politics.
The strongest part of the book is the last four chapters, these chapters was what I had expected this book to be about. The discussion of unity and friendship and the struggles of being a black women in a political environment that expects them to step up and save everyone but refuses to give them a place at the table to be heard. Its a shame that the rest of the book couldn't be that way because these women and their stories, their friendship, deserved better.
Ah, it kills me to give this book such a low rating. This is not a bad book, its just doesn't have a flow, particularly when you get into the middle of the book.
The start of the books covers the history of the four women, as they grew up during the civil rights and how that influenced their life and their call to activism. They also take time to discuss and honor the women that came before them, that fought for rights particularly when it came to black women. Its when they first get into politics that the book begins to meander around. Its like they want to fit so much into the book random chapters just get shoved in wherever they can. One chapter is about the early stages of a campaign and then its discussing the funeral of Whitney Houston and the next chapter is back to politics.
The strongest part of the book is the last four chapters, these chapters was what I had expected this book to be about. The discussion of unity and friendship and the struggles of being a black women in a political environment that expects them to step up and save everyone but refuses to give them a place at the table to be heard. Its a shame that the rest of the book couldn't be that way because these women and their stories, their friendship, deserved better.
March 8, 2022
This is a remarkable book that chronicles the impactful and influential careers of four phenomenal black women. There is so much intriguing behind the scenes history and insight of the journey of the “Colored Girls” who were mentored and influenced by many of the icons of the civil rights movement. Rev. Jackson, Mrs. King, Dr. Shabazz, Dr. Evers, Dr. Angelou just to name a few. Starting out as grassroots organizers they “did the work” for decades that reshaped the Democratic party and whose advice, skills and opinions were sought after by Presidential hopefuls and others in the political arena. This is also a story of friendship, family and an intense bond among these incredible Black women that has withstood the test of time. This is a book that belongs in every woman's library. For those who desire to pursue a career of political activism this book should be an essential part of your toolkit.
I find the backstories behind so many historical events simply fascinating which is another reason I highly recommend this awesome read.
I find the backstories behind so many historical events simply fascinating which is another reason I highly recommend this awesome read.
January 13, 2020
This book illuminates the grit and determination of four women to make the world a better place. Not just for themselves, but for all. They tell the truth of America, the bad and the hope, we have made progress, but have so far to go. It is a collection of their stories through their eyes, I am grateful they have taken the time to share their wisdom, be vulnerable, and above all, their resilience as we are in a time when our resilience is truly tested. Thank you Minyon, Donna, Leah and Yolanda for moving society forward.
December 30, 2018
Easy read, but some grammatical issues that made me long for thru ability to proof it. Also wished there was a little more focus on how to get involved. The majority of the book is on their histories juxtaposed with activists movements. Impressive but I was hoping that the information provided in the last chapter would be more of the book.
March 3, 2019
Amazing women who learned from amazing women.
Now is the time to pay attention to women.
Now is the time to pay attention to black and minority women.
Now is the time to pay attention to women.
Now is the time to pay attention to black and minority women.
January 2, 2020
This might have been a more enjoyable paper book read than an audio- as one reader reads the whole book, it was hard to keep straight which of the four women was speaking.
February 27, 2020
This book was very insightful and a must read "for colored girls who have considered politics."
February 14, 2021
This is perhaps one of the most inspiring books that I’ve read in a long time.
December 15, 2020
Loved this book and so inspired by these amazing black women. Great read if looking to find motivation to be a positive difference in this world. Thank you Colored Girls for being trailblazers and changing hearts and minds one person at a time!!
March 1, 2019
A very good book describing the careers of emerging Black female politicians.
February 28, 2019
Great read!
February 25, 2019
Really enjoyed this book about the lives, work and friendship of these women! What a history.
February 12, 2019
It is not often that we are invited into the homes of leaders and certainly not politicians to sit around the table and be privy to a buffet of conversations. Leah Daughtry, Donna Brazile, Minyon Moore and Yolanda Caraway have invited us into their space to share their humble beginnings and journey into the not so glamours world of politics. It is not one of name dropping, although it would be remiss for them not to mention countless notable figures who took to them with earnest care and love. At times while reading it, I stood up and walked around. There were many things I took away from this book. Some of those things were taught to me by many who like them were leaders in their community, church or school. 'To whom much is given, much is required.'
January 23, 2020
This book is full of history, love and strategy. It is a must read for all people, but mainly young women. It allows you to look into the methods used to make a difference in the world around you.
December 1, 2018
In most ways, the book works as a autobiography, a history of politics in the last 30 years, and a story of friendship. Author Donna Brazil’s traces her friendship with three friends who share her passion about politics. The author opens our eyes to how women of color can work together to bring change in our country. While Brazil is already a well known operative in US politics, we learn a lot about her companions who — as Black women — broken many traditional barriers in the public realm. These were Minyon Moore (a produce to Southside Chicago), Leah Daugherty,
We learn about the three women who have changed how we think about race and politics. These three — Yolanda Caraway, Leah Daughtry, and Minyon Moore— become much more stature in the words of Brazile.
The book unfolds in a chronological path as the four learned about Shirley Chisholm and other pioneers (Rosa Parks, Dr. Better Shabuzz, others) in the political spotlight. Male advocates—especially Mayor Washington (first black mayor of Chicago), Ron Brown (Democratic leader) are also people who have made the path for Brazile.
There some narratives that are quite demanding of our attention. The chapters on Hillary are a challenge to what needs to be done. And there’s room for some humor, as well, in the book.
To get the whole of the book, a reader needs to know the fundamentals of politics. Reading this book may challenge you to find out more about how our politics works.
We learn about the three women who have changed how we think about race and politics. These three — Yolanda Caraway, Leah Daughtry, and Minyon Moore— become much more stature in the words of Brazile.
The book unfolds in a chronological path as the four learned about Shirley Chisholm and other pioneers (Rosa Parks, Dr. Better Shabuzz, others) in the political spotlight. Male advocates—especially Mayor Washington (first black mayor of Chicago), Ron Brown (Democratic leader) are also people who have made the path for Brazile.
There some narratives that are quite demanding of our attention. The chapters on Hillary are a challenge to what needs to be done. And there’s room for some humor, as well, in the book.
To get the whole of the book, a reader needs to know the fundamentals of politics. Reading this book may challenge you to find out more about how our politics works.
December 3, 2024
After picking the book up and putting it down multiple times (no fault of the book) I finally broke down and bought the audible version and listened to it on long drives I had to take. It was great having long blocks of time to listen intently to the stories of this wonderful group of then young, inexperienced, but hard working women who worked on Jessie Jackson’s ‘84 and ‘88 presidential campaign, and their subsequent careers in national politics as advisors, strategists, assistants, and operatives for some of the most influential national political figures of the 90s and 2000s. I’m pretty sure I voted for the first time when Jackson ran and remember vividly the enthusiasm and hope surroundeding his candidacy and the bitter disappointment we so many of us who were young felt when he didn’t get the nomination. It was wonderful learning about the careers that his candidacy launched, the young people who awoke to the political process, and the doors that flung open to the black women political powerhouses who came up through the ranks. Well written. Well narrated. Inspiring to hear these women’s stories and the lessons they learned from the political losses and victories they were privileged to witness and be a part of at a crucial era of American politics.
January 11, 2019
A great story of four black women who helped bring black political voices to the mainstream. Wonderful content. The only problem is that there were too many voices, with the first and third person changes being annoying and the story a bit disjointed.
Content is worth five stars but the problems of the book itself brings the rating down to four stars.
What did I remember as the highlight? It wasn't about the four powerful and smart people. It was a quote from one of the people they admired. "If they don't give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair." The four Colored Girls did that until they were at the head of the table. Well done.
Content is worth five stars but the problems of the book itself brings the rating down to four stars.
What did I remember as the highlight? It wasn't about the four powerful and smart people. It was a quote from one of the people they admired. "If they don't give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair." The four Colored Girls did that until they were at the head of the table. Well done.
February 19, 2019
Very inciteful and informative
January 29, 2019
Excellent - For All Women
This book is an excellent behind the scene look at what really goes on in politics. It is also an excellent guide for anyone, women and men, of what to do if you are consider entering politics. It also a history book, it has, hanged my opinion of several public figures.
This book is an excellent behind the scene look at what really goes on in politics. It is also an excellent guide for anyone, women and men, of what to do if you are consider entering politics. It also a history book, it has, hanged my opinion of several public figures.
May 19, 2019
Take a peek into the lives of the Black women serving in political roles behind the scenes. This insightful historical overview of how their lives intertwine will help you make sense of the inner workings of politics on the national level. Bravo ladies...thank you for your dedicated service, Black Girl Magic, continued friendship and sisterhood we can all learn from you.
maybe
October 11, 2018
September 2, 2020
Grateful for these women! Their lives, work and testimonies. Thank you for making sure the path is visible for all the colored girls behind you.
February 23, 2022
Inspirational
Ive often wondered what happens behind the scene of political campaigns. These women have poured out their highs, lows heartache, and successes. They have also laid out the blueprint for others. Thank you
#cillasbookmaniacs
Ive often wondered what happens behind the scene of political campaigns. These women have poured out their highs, lows heartache, and successes. They have also laid out the blueprint for others. Thank you
#cillasbookmaniacs
November 25, 2018
I loved this book. It is so rich with experiences that are big historical moments. I came away from this book knowing that wherever Black women are they are activists!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews