Power: The Rise of Black Women in America

by Charity C. Elder

“Black women are dope because they rise and are yet rising. This dopeness is not hyperbolic or symbolic—rather, it is borne of persecution that has failed to frustrate a perseverant persistence to prevail.”

Before sea to shining sea. Before spacious skies were pierced by purple mountains. Before the uniting of one nation. Black women learned to rise. In THE RISE OF BLACK WOMEN IN AMERICA , award-winning journalist and digital media executive Charity C. Elder posits that there has never been a better time to be a Black woman in the United States.

POWER is an incisive disquisition on Black womanhood weaving theoretical frameworks of history and sociology with poignant interviews, ethnographic observation, and anecdotes gleaned from history, social media, pop culture, and the author’s lived experiences.

Using data, the author substantiates the triumph of Black women. Original analysis of eighty years of US census data, prepared by the University of Minnesota and analyzed by Dr. Constance F. Citro, documents the remarkable ascension of Black women since the early twentieth century. An exclusive national survey conducted in partnership with the Marist Poll in 2021 not only reveals that 70 percent of Black women say they have been successful in life, but also that most believe they have the power to succeed.

POWER does not shy away from the realities of structural oppression identified by the late Black feminist scholar bell hooks; rather it illuminates how Black women exercise agency to create meaningful lives. Success is not an anomaly, but a defining characteristic. Black women have amassed power—now, Elder posits, they need to acknowledge it and then wield the hell out of it.

Genres: Nonfiction

240 pages, Hardcover

Published October 18, 2022

Reviews

[myblackbookish_life · Rating 4 out of 5]

Insightful, inspiring, and informative for sure. If anything, this is another good read for anyone starting out on their journey of understanding and reading up on intersectional feminism (with the lens focused on Black women). Huge thanks to the publisher sending me an e-arc!

[LaShanda Chamberlain · Rating 5 out of 5]

All I can say is WOW!!! This book opens with the following quote "This is the best time in America to be a Black Woman". While I have not always felt these words, these opening words resonated with my soul. From these first words to the very last words in this book, I felt empowered & motivated. After having read this book, I have a renewed strength and confidence in my ability as a Black Woman. I guess I didn't know my own strength. Thank you, thank you Charity Elder for an amazing book.

[Aliyah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading Elder’s perspective on what it means to be a Black woman in America and how they continue to break through the boundaries just as their foremothers have. She discussed sisterhood, resilience, faith, and frankly not caring about the preconceived notions that people may have about you. This inspiring book teaches the important lesson of focusing our attention on what we can control, which is our intrinsic value, instead of focusing on the external limitations that are placed on us. She also discussed how black women often sacrifice their own rights and comfort for the sake of black men which shows how oppression often operates on multiple levels. Lastly, I loved the chapter centered on transnational solidarity amongst black women as this is a crucial connection that has been overlooked.

[Kellie Corinne · Rating 3 out of 5]

240 pages,
Published
October 18, 2022 by Skyhorse
Thank you to #netgalley and #skyhorsepublishing for the ARC for Power: The Rise of Black Women in America by Charity C. Elder. This is an inspiring work about the black woman in America. With everything we have stacked against us black women still manage to thrive.

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

With a page-turning account of data and lived experience, Charity Elder flips the all too common negative narrative of Black women. While Black women have always powerfully persisted in spite of structural racism and sexism, she shows that Black women in the U.S. have excelled exponentially in the last 80 years. Her work empowers Black women to continue utilizing their innate power and keep rising to live their best lives, now.

[Yarel Marshall · Rating 5 out of 5]

I appreciate her use of data to reposition how Black Women are viewed, particularly as successful contributors in US society. Elder strategically connects the historical, yet often invisible, moments that proves Black women's resilience and determination. I needed this reminder when so much focuses on our constant need to fight for our place at the table.

[Reika · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommended!! Thorough, inspirational, relatable, but more importantly substantiated! It provides measurable evidence that shows how we as black women have been and are growing in positions of power. Without giving too much, if you’re “rooting for everyone black”, you can’t NOT read this book!

[Luvleigh Alston · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Must for Every BW library!

It felt like sitting on the porch w/ My good Sis smiling, laughing and embracing our knowledge, understanding & wisdom…