Vanguard: How Black Women Broke Barriers, Won the Vote, and Insisted on Equality for All

"Vanguard: How Black Women Broke Barriers, Won the Vote, and Insisted on Equality for All" by Martha S. Jones is a transformative exploration into the pivotal role of African American women in shaping the political landscape of the United States. Published on September 8, 2020, this book delves into the historical journey of these trailblazers, from the early days of the republic through the landmark 1965 Voting Rights Act and beyond. Highlighting figures like Maria Stewart, Frances Ellen Watkins Harper, and Fannie Lou Hamer, alongside the notable Ida B. Wells, Jones vividly narrates how these women not only fought against racism and sexism but also laid down the foundation for gender equality, racial justice, and voting rights. This narrative is especially enriching for middle-school readers, offering them a new perspective on the suffrage movement that challenges the traditional narratives and celebrates the unsung heroines who insisted on equality for all. This book is a clarion call to recognize and honor the enduring impact of Black women in American political history.