At the Dark End of the Street: Black Women, Rape, and Resistance--A New History of the Civil Rights Movement from Rosa Parks to the Rise of Black Power

"At the Dark End of the Street: Black Women, Rape, and Resistance--A New History of the Civil Rights Movement from Rosa Parks to the Rise of Black Power" by Danielle McGuire dispels the simplified narrative surrounding Rosa Parks and the civil rights movement. Published on September 7, 2010, this influential book dives deep into the lesser-known catalysts of the movement, beginning with the harrowing story of Recy Taylor in 1944. McGuire details how Rosa Parks, well before her pivotal moment on a Montgomery bus, actively fought against the systemic rape and assault of Black women, which fueled the early civil rights campaigns. This book reveals the true extent of Parks' radicalism and the critical role Black women played in challenging racial and economic hierarchy, pushing for gender equality, and reforming criminal justice. Ideal for adult education groups, McGuire’s work invites readers to reflect on the obscured narratives of Black women whose bravery profoundly shaped America's social justice landscape.