Black Woman in Green: Gloria Brown and the Unmarked Trail to Forest Service Leadership

by Gloria Brown, Donna L. Sinclair, Laurie Mercier (Foreword)

From an unlikely beginning as an agency transcriptionist in her hometown of Washington, DC, Gloria Brown became the first African American woman to attain the rank of forest supervisor at the US Forest Service. As a young widow with three children, she transferred to Missoula, Montana, and embarked on a remarkable journey, ultimately leading the Siuslaw National Forest in Oregon and later the Los Padres in California. The story of Brown’s career unfolds against the backdrop of a changing government agency and a changing society.

As scholars awaken to the racist history of public land management and the ways that people of color have been excluded from contemporary notions of nature and wilderness, Brown’s story provides valuable insight into the roles that African Americans have carved out in the outdoors generally and in the field of environmental policy and public lands management specifically. Drawing on her powerful communication and listening skills, her sense of humor, and her willingness to believe in the basic goodness of humanity, Brown conducted civil rights trainings and shattered glass ceilings, all while raising her children alone.

Written in an engaging and accessible style with historian Donna Sinclair, Brown’s story provides a fascinating case study for public administration and contributes to a deeper understanding of the environmental and civil rights movements of the twentieth century, particularly the role that racial discrimination has played in national forests, parks, and other wilderness spaces. It also highlights issues of representation in the federal government, women’s history, the history of the American West, and literature associated with African American experiences in predominately white societies.

 

Genres: Memoir, Nonfiction, Autobiography

208 pages, Paperback

Published February 20, 2020

Reviews

[Laura]

More like 4.5 stars. There were parts that felt like they could've used more editing, but overall Gloria's story was just so inspiring. Rounding up to 5 because the book left me wishing I could sit with the author and hear more of her stories.

[Colleen Moore]

Gloria Brown, the first Black woman to be a forest supervisor in the US Forest Service, explains to the reader how to set goals, network inside a complex hierarchical organization, and achieve goals that seem unattainable to outsiders. Yes, this book is partly about the challenges of being Black and female inside a predominately white male organization, and how to address those challenges in ways that lead to real progress for both herself and those who come after her. But the book is more about working through and with an organization to achieve common goals of the organization and the employee. She advanced within the system largely due to aspects of her character that she worked hard to develop during her career: genuine friendliness, listening skills, genuine caring for others, involving communities, employees and her own supervisors in decisions, seeking advice and input from a broader network, and above all, honesty and forthrightness. These things come through in every chapter. Yes, Gloria Brown is an outstanding individual. But this is a manual for survival, advancement and enjoyment in any organization. I wish I had read a book like this early in my professional career.

[Reghan Gillman]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and was so sad when it ended! Gloria invites you in to follow her journey in the Forest Service. You cheer her on, celebrate her wins, and mourn her losses. As a Forest Service employee myself, this was a wonderful journey to follow and one that I think everyone in the agency should read.

[Jesie D.]

What an amazing story of an African American woman's journey to sustain life and care for her family as she trail blazes the unknown when moving to the North West in mission to elevate her career in the National Forest Service. Her perseverance and dedication to making a better life as a single mom propelled her forward despite the challenges that came along with often times being the only black women in her field or in the towns her career placed her in. What a beautiful perspective on changing society. Gloria was truly one of kind in our world! So thankful I had the opportunity to learn about her life and what African American's experience in our white and male dominating world. Thank you Gloria Brown & Donna Sinclair for leaving her legacy behind. We need more hearts like Gloria in our world!

[Karen]

This was interesting to me as an employ of the US Forest Service and as a woman. Gloria’s focus on getting a career and supporting her family after her husband’s death was razor sharp. against a backdrop of the times, Gloria had an unlikely success story with being a woman and black.

Her descriptions of what it felt like and also her leadership style which led to her success was compelling. She also talked about strategies that didn’t work and gave many kudos to those that helped her along the way.

[Marmot]

I enjoyed reading Gloria’s story and comparing cultural differences with her US Forest Service versus what I’ve experienced in the BC Forest Service. In many ways her FS seemed ahead of the times versus what I have experienced as a female within a traditionally male dominated organization. Read for book club with my favorite Forest Service gals! Should lead to some great conversations. Especially around appreciation of dedicated employees.

[Kathy O]

This is a book about how to be a good human being while also aiming high, remaining persistent, rolling with the punches, and achieving dreams and success, against so many odds. What an inspirational story and adventure by an amazing woman. Thank you for sharing it with us Ms. Gloria Brown. (from another Eastcoaster who became a Pacific North Westerner!)

[Nicole Lowe]

I read this in a history class in the spring of 2020. Talk about an amazing and inspiring journey! Gloria Brown is a truly resilient and incredible woman. This was also a peek into a world I know nothing about.

[Jaquie]

Gloria Brown worked hard for what she got - and shares her journey with future foresters and "ologists". She tells the story of her life with a straightforwardness that she honed through a career of public service, management, and team building. Great read!

[LD Schmidt]

The memoir of Gloria Brown, the first Black female Forest Supervisor in the Forest Service. Brown's life story shows perseverance, grit, commitment to goals, and patience to navigate the traditional white male Forest Service hierarchy.

[Beth Filar Williams]

what a remarkable person Gloria Brown was (is!). Enjoyed this story of her life while learning a lot in the process. Highly recommend

[Janice]

I liked this book so much because I worked for the Forest Service too. It was interesting to read about Gloria's experiences.

[Meredith]

Interesting but not always compelling. Definitely recommend for those wanted to learn about the management of our natural spaces.
3 1/2 stars