Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History examines forty revolutionary women of color in the history of the United States of America. Through these stories, the author breaks down the realities of disrupting societal predilections and achieving the impossible against stacked odds. Paired with colorful illustrations, the narratives are educational and inspirational as they bring the experiences and achievements of these women to life. Some iconic women discussed in the book include Katherine Johnson (mathematician), Sojourner Truth (abolitionist), Bessie Coleman (pilot), Alice Ball (chemist), Shirley Chisholm (politician), Julie Dash (filmmaker) and Maya Angelou (poet) among others.
The women represented in this book come from all walks of life. From great inventors, geniuses, pioneers, influential personalities to common people, these women have greatly contributed to the world that we live in today. Their actions have inspired and motivated many young women across the world who, for a long time have felt ignored by society at large. They have offered them a voice that gives them confidence and affirmation to tackle the toughest of world problems and find innovative solutions.
The author stresses the need for the reader to place themselves in the shoes of these great women and not be afraid to take risks, even in the worst-case scenario. She wants the reader to wear the words and experiences of these women on their sleeves and implement them in their everyday life. The author does not focus only on famous and well-renowned women who did great things, she also highlights those women who have otherwise been forgotten in history.
By shining a light on average women who effected change on a much smaller scale, the author inspires the little women in society to also take it upon themselves to change the society they live in, no matter how small their influence may be. Change doesn’t have to be on a world scale for it to mean something, the little that you do to change someone’s life is enough to make it significant to the world at large. Real change usually begins at the grass-root level.
