Seven Sisters and a Brother: Friendship, Resistance, and Untold Truths Behind Black Student Activism in the 1960s

by Marilyn Allman Maye, Joyce Frisby Baynes, Harold S. Buchanan

#1 New Release in 1960s History of the U.S. — A Story of Student Activists and Civil Rights

Meet the inspirational students: This narrative tells the story of seven women and one man at the heart of a sit-in protesting decreased enrollment and hiring of African Americans at Swarthmore College and demanding a Black Studies curriculum. The book, written by the former students themselves, also includes autobiographical chapters, providing a unique cross-sectional view into the lives of young people during the Civil Rights era.

Correcting media representation: For years the media and some in the school community portrayed the peaceful protest in a negative light—this collective narrative provides a very necessary and overdue retelling of the revolution that took place at Swarthmore College in 1969. The group of eight student protestors have only recently begun to receive credit for the school’s greater inclusiveness, as well as the influence their actions had on universities around the country.

Stories that inspire change: This book chronicles the historical eight-day sit-in at Swarthmore College, and the authors also include untold stories about their family backgrounds and their experiences as student activists. They share how friendships, out-of-the-box alliances, and a commitment to moral integrity strengthened them to push through and remain resilient in the face of adversity.

The incredible true story featured in Seven Sisters and a Brother will teach you:

No matter how old or established, institutions can change and will continue to change How to identify fears and work to overcome them That truth will prevail when we unite with others and refuse to accept surrender

If you’ve read titles such as Warriors Don’t Cry, Between the World and Me, and Pulse of Perseverance, then you’ll love Seven Sisters and a Brother.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Race

339 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 3, 2019

Reviews

[Edie · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an Alum who held a minor administrative role at Swarthmore during "The Takeover", it was fascinating to learn about this event from inside "The Takeover". While this is specific to Swarthmore, its insights and story can be generalized to student activism in the 60s. In addition each of the seven women and one man tell their own life journeys. Those stories in themselves make this book one that should be read widely.

[Stefanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting and insightful- historical perspective about college life for Black students during the Civil Rights era- told through 8 separate mini-memoirs from each of the 7 Sisters and Brother. My only critique is that there is actually very little discussion or description of the Takeover itself.

[Patty Sorenson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting story of when what spurs people protest. Encouraging to see the impact of their resistance today.

[Jannette O.]

Excellent! Well written, compelling, timely.

[Sarah Henn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Important history to learn at it was definitely not taught in any of my classes

[Andy Crane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Important but dry

[Chase · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent overview with memoirs from the members of the SASS student body at Swarthmore College in the 1960s.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

A recollection of the student takeover of Swarthmore to force the administration to honor their commitments around increasing the enrollment of Black students, the hiring of Black faculty, and the establishment of Black Studies.