Black Texas Women: 150 Years of Trial and Triumph

by Ruthe Winegarten, Janet G. Humphrey, Frieda Werden

Women of all colors have shaped families, communities, institutions, and societies throughout history, but only in recent decades have their contributions been widely recognized, described, and celebrated. This book presents the first comprehensive history of black Texas women, a previously neglected group whose 150 years of continued struggle and some successes against the oppression of racism and sexism deserve to be better known and understood. Beginning with slave and free women of color during the Texas colonial period and concluding with contemporary women who serve in the Texas legislature and the United States Congress, Ruthe Winegarten organizes her history both chronologically and topically. Her narrative sparkles with the life stories of individual women and their contributions to the work force, education, religion, the club movement, community building, politics, civil rights, and culture. The product of extensive archival and oral research and illustrated with over 200 photographs, this groundbreaking work will be equally appealing to general readers and to scholars of women's history, black history, American studies, and Texas history.

Genres: History

427 pages, Hardcover

First published November 30, 1994

Reviews

[Cornelia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Black Texas Women is an extraordinary, profoundly moving tribute to generations of women who shaped the Lone Star State. The sweeping narrative gives voice to these amazing Texas Women and brings historical facts long hidden into light. The deeply human stories are enhanced by rich visuals and oral accounts. This belongs on every Texas Woman's shelf.

[Monica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite a comprehensive introduction to what is obviously a still-incompletely excavated cavern of history. This book had me wondering (a bit peevishly, I might add) at the inadequacies of the state-mandated Texas history course I enjoyed when I was younger. A little less hero worship for the stereotypical (male) titans of Texas history, I think, and more regard and respect for the scores of black Texas women who made so many inroads into areas of life and society that touch me, today, would have been better. The book remains introductory, though sweepingly informative; the bibliography will propel you well into further research. Definitely a book that belongs in the library of anyone interested in the history of women and/or black women in Texas.