Tennessee Women of Vision and Courage

by Charlotte Crawford and Ruth Johnson Smiley Eds., Ruth Johnson Smiley (Editor)

Tennessee women fight for their right to vote, compulsory education for children, racial justice, and equal opportunities. Their pioneering spirit, vision, and courage enable them to overcome hardship and adversity to blaze a trail for other women. Ranging from pioneers to twentieth century activists, their stories inspire women and girls of today. A one-act play of a woman suffrage rally in 1913 resounds with the voices of women in winning the right to vote and highlights the important place of Tennessee women in that battle. Historical accounts from across the state reflect the achievements of twenty-two remarkable women. Brenda Vineyard Runyon opens the nation’s first woman’s bank in Clarksville. Elizabeth Rona of Oak Ridge is a pioneer in nuclear chemistry and physics. Julia Britton Hooks, talented African American musician, founds a music school and elementary school for African American children in Memphis. These accounts of historic Tennessee women, written by contemporary Tennessee women, vividly reflect events in Tennessee history.

206 pages, Paperback

First published October 3, 2013

Reviews

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an anthology of 22 of the most interesting women in Tennessee History. Though some were world renown in their fields, others were known more locally than nationally or internationally. Evelyn "Mama Bird" Johnson at the time of her death in 2012 was listed in the Guinness Book of World Records for having the most flying hours of any woman alive: 57,685 and only one man had more flying hours than she did. Elma Neal Roane was a coach and champion of Title IX. Peg Heddleson would never have called herself a victim of domestic violence but her exquisitely beautiful banners with terse texts cut to the heart of those who suffer from domestic violence. Dr. Elizabeth Rona was the world's leading expert on Polonium, a radioactive metal used in The Manhattan Project.

Each of the women was a pioneer in her own field and Public Television in Tennessee recently interviewed the editors, Charlotte Crawford and Ruth Johnson Smiley for a program which is projected to air in November or December, 2014. These 22 Tennessee women's stories were chosen particularly to be an inspiration to young women in high school and to encourage them to relentlessly pursue their talents. The profiles of these women were also written by Tennessee women. I was privileged to write the section on Peg Heddleson.

I highly recommend this book especially to young women. It is easy to read. Each section is short but gives references for more information and discovery. Each high school in Tennessee has been provided a copy of the book and all proceeds from the book, go to provide books for more young people.

Sometimes local fame is discounted. In this book, 22 women, some only slightly known, made a difference in thousands of lives.