For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Politics

"Provides much-needed inspiration. This illuminating tome is a road map for those who want to enter the realm of government."—Essence

"For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Politics is a fascinating look at the cultural diaspora charting their path as the behind-the-scenes movers of American history. And hopefully, as candidates of color rise, this tome can soon lead to stories of diverse, female figureheads leading the torch for generations to come."—Nick Fouriezos, Ozy

“The authors have mastered the act of ‘swinging people through’—keeping doors open for others to follow—and they invite ‘dear sister candidates’ to demand seats at the table.”—Ms. Magazine

“For Colored Girls is an interesting, informative, inspiring, motivating and just plain delightful read. These are four colored girls who weren’t born on third base in privilege, but came from relatively humble beginnings. They started with menial jobs and through discipline, strategic thinking and hard work achieved meaningful careers for themselves and better lives for other people through politics. They considered careers in business, health care, law and civil rights, but found their calling and fulfillment in politics. Their choices benefited all of us.”—Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, Sr., Founder and President, Rainbow PUSH Coalition

“How blessed we are in these times that fortune deigned that the hearts of these four exceptionally driven, intellectually brilliant, socially conscious sisters would intersect. Their lives dedicated from the beginning for service to community, family and nation is the refreshing cross breeze of authenticity needed in Washington politics. A compelling memoir of cultivated dreams, For Colored Girls provides insight into and illumination of the undeniable call to service and the ways in which these four navigated a sometimes perilous and truly circuitous journey.”—Angela Bassett

“This is a remarkable book about five extraordinary Black women who through strength of character, humility and just plain smarts, became indispensable in every Democratic presidential campaign since 1984. They played a major role in building the modern Democratic Party and, perhaps most importantly, mentored a generation of young people who became activists and candidates in their own right. Finally, this book is a great window into modern African American History as it is still being written. It would be a mistake for anyone who aspires to build a better America not to read this.”—Governor Howard Dean, former Chair of the Democratic Party

"We who are faithful have never doubted the power of women with hearts set on justice, equality and opportunity to shape and sharpen the conscience of a nation. These African-American women, known collectively as the Colored Girls, have written the handbook on movement building and changing the world through progressive politics. This is a book I will be sharing with my daughters and every activist woman I know. As the mothers of the church used to sing, 'I’m glad she didn’t keep it to herself.'"—Reverend William Barber, President and Lecturer, Repairers of the Breach

"The fascinating story of four women who got into politics in the 1960s and '70s and are now the rare Washington insiders who understand people from all areas of the nation . . . You don't need to be black or a minority to grasp the need to stand up and fight in today's political world. The authors lay it out well in this solid primer on how to 'dare to enter the halls of power.'"—Kirkus Reviews

“Told with obvious deep respect and affection, this is a spirited look at the politics and personal lives of four iconic women. Readers will avidly seek the wisdom of these high-profile political experts.”—Booklist (starred review)