Daina Ramey Berry

Kali Nicole Gross

"A Black Women's History of the United States is a critical survey of black women's complicated legacy in America, as it takes into account their exploitation and victimization as well as their undeniable and substantial contributions to the country since its inception"--

A Black Women's History of the United States

2021 NAACP Image Award Nominee: Outstanding Literary Work – Non-Fiction A vibrant and empowering history that emphasizes the perspectives and stories of African American women to show how they are—and have always been—instrumental in shaping our country In centering Black women’s stories, two award-winning historians seek both to empower African American women and to show their allies that Black women’s unique ability to make their own communities while combatting centuries of oppression is an essential component in our continued resistance to systemic racism and sexism. Daina Ramey Berry and Kali Nicole Gross offer an examination and celebration of Black womanhood, beginning with the first African women who arrived in what became the United States to African American women of today. A Black Women’s History of the United States reaches far beyond a single narrative to showcase Black women’s lives in all their fraught complexities. Berry and Gross prioritize many voices: enslaved women, freedwomen, religious leaders, artists, queer women, activists, and women who lived outside the law. The result is a starting point for exploring Black women’s history and a testament to the beauty, richness, rhythm, tragedy, heartbreak, rage, and enduring love that abounds in the spirit of Black women in communities throughout the nation.

Liz Prinz

If you are an American, you must read this book (and even if you aren’t). It is a much needed corrective and addition to the history most of us learned in school and is both eye-opening and inspirational.

This was such an amazing introduction to the roles black women have played in the formation and development of the United States. My only complaint is that it was too short! I found myself wanting to learn more about pretty much every topic discussed. I'll definitely be going through their endnotes to find more books on black women's history to further my knowledge. I highly, highly recommend picking up this gem and educating yourself about a valuable and often overlooked group of Americans.

Alyssa Jacunski

I originally put this book on hold at the library back in late March / early April. Quarantine was getting under way and I was catching up on BookTube videos. I believe this came onto my radar from K.D. Winchester (Kendra) on her BookTube channel. Kendra always has great recommendations, and books that I don't typically see mentioned elsewhere.

This book spans approximately 400 years and following the roles of various Black women in a specific time periods. While the Black women we know of in history are mentioned, Daina Ramey Berry, Kali Nicole Gross make a point to include the stories of women that aren't as well known. 

This book was fascinating! I found myself highlighting (it was an e-copy!) so many names and references to moments in history to be able to go back and learn more. I loved the approach of highlighting women that we may not have heard of with the standard way history is taught (which is quite poor, but that's a topic for a different time). 

There is talk of violence throughout this book. History is steeped in violence, and not acknowledging it would be a disservice. Overall, I loved this! It was well-written had the right amount of historical facts to narrative and covered a lot of ground. If you're re-learning history, not unlike myself and so many others, this is one that should be on your list. Learning about the many amazing Black women in history should be on everyone's TBR list!

A Black Women's History of the United States

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