Black Woman Redefined: Dispelling Myths and Discovering Fulfillment in the Age of Michelle Obama [Hardcover]

Sophia Nelson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 31, 2011

Stereotypes aren't funny when they follow you everywhere.

This is the rallying cry that author Sophia A. Nelson wants all of America to grapple with when it comes to the way we view and treat black women.

Black Woman Redefined was inspired in part by what Nelson calls “open season on accomplished black women,” which reached a tipping point in 2007 when Don Imus referred to black female Rutger’s University basketball co-eds as “nappy-headed hos.” Since then, we’ve seen First Lady Michelle Obama caricatured on the infamous New Yorker cover, when she was called “angry” and “unpatriotic”; the 2009 groundbreaking Yale University Study on professional black women titled, “Marriage Eludes High-Achieving Black Women”; ABC’s “Why Can’t a Successful Black Woman Find a Man?” and the Internet video that went viral, “Black Marriage Negotiations,” featuring a successful black woman interviewing a nice black man to be her mate in a robotic, controlling, emasculating, Bible-thumping demeanor. More recently, we were subjected to the 2011 Super Bowl commercial that started a national firestorm featuring an “angry black woman” throwing a soda can at her mate, after first kicking, slapping, and emasculating him.

Nelson says black women are tired of such depictions that portray them as manless, childless, angry, and unfulfilled. Nelson sets out to change this cultural perception, taking readers on a no-holds-barred journey into the hearts and minds of accomplished black women to reveal truths, tribulations, and insights like never before.

She says it is time for a REDEFINITION among black women in America.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"More than anything else, Nelson's work is a how-to book, a feel-good tome that offers black women prescriptions for personal and professional success that empower them without tearing down someone else."
—DeWayne Wickham, USA TODAY columnist

"Ardent, inspirational, insightful, and redemptive."
—Kam Williams

“On the page as she does on television, Sophia A. Nelson uses bold insights and no-nonsense observations to cut through the myths and misperceptions about what it means to be a black woman today. But this isn’t just a book for black women. It speaks to everyone who cares about equality and opportunity, and especially to women, of every color, who are looking for a fresh perspective on everything from careers to dating to faith. Whether you agree or disagree with
her, you’ll find it hard to put this book down.”
—Chris Jansing, Emmy-Award winning anchor and host of MSNBC’s Jansing & Co

“The enduring legacy of any great work is that it touches our souls and causes us to reflect inward. It calls us to open our eyes, step out of the shadows of our pain, and to live life forward. Black Woman Redefined does that for us all. This brilliant, powerful book is not just about and for black women—it invites the entire American family to see black women more fully as people. Sophia A. Nelson is one of the most gifted analysts and writers of our time. She effectively rejects the centuries-old myth that black women’s lives aren’t worth discussing. The often painful stories shared in this book are still being told because they’re still being lived. In the end, this book is a much-needed generational battle cry for recognition, release, and healing.”
—Michael Eric Dyson, Professor at Georgetown University, radio host of the Michael Eric Dyson Show, and best-selling author of Why I Love Black Women

“Sophia Nelson, with her keen intellect, detailed research, and never before written insights, encourages all women, especially our strong and diverse black sisters to achieve new and unprecedented heights.”
—Armstrong Williams, Washington Times columnist, author, and nationally syndicated TV and radio host

“In her first book, Sophia A. Nelson gives us all great insight and information on some of the serious issues facing today’s African American women. This book is bound to generate discussion across the social and political spectrum for years to come.”
—Sean Hannity, best-selling author, radio show host, and host of FOX News’ top-rated political program Hannity

“Each generation has a voice that is lifted at just the right time to grab hold of us and shake us from our slumber. Sophia A. Nelson calls on black women to rethink the way things are and change them. She has tapped into the pain and silence of her generation of ‘sisters,’ and approaches this important subject matter in a way that is compassionate and profound. Sophia carefully dissects the continuing, yet often invisible, struggle of modern day black women when
it comes to our image, the perceptions that others have of us, and that we have of ourselves.”
—Terrie M. Williams, author, Black Pain: It Just Looks Like We’re Not Hurting

“Nelson uncovers the issues that are often hidden beneath the surface of black women’s pain, and demonstrates to all how to live well and emerge victorious on the other side.”
—Dr. Melody T. McCloud, OB/GYN- columnist Psychology Today and author of Living Well, Despite Catchin’ Hell: The Black Woman’s Guide to Health, Sex, and Happiness

“Think ‘redefinition.’ Sophia A. Nelson’s new book Black Woman Redefined cuts through a mountain of myths, stereotypes, and negative thinking. The result is a treasure chest of new information, valuable insights, and inspiring advice for African American women—and for us, the men who love them!”
—Clarence Page, Pulitzer Prize-winning syndicated columnist for the Chicago Tribune

“At a moment of profound economic and cultural change for America, Black Woman Redefined comes along at the perfect time. While Sophia A. Nelson knows her target audience, she’s also aware of the broader, diverse world. With solid research and a smooth inclusive voice, Nelson has produced a book that that holds lessons for many.”
—Robert A. George, New York Post

“Black Woman Redefined is a book that has been greatly anticipated because it was penned by a woman who for years has displayed refreshing analytical and political savvy first as an attorney on Capitol Hill, then as a lobbyist, and finally as a national TV commentator and columnist. This book encourages black women to do what Sophia A. Nelson has exhibited to us all for years: how to be a successful sister, wrapped with old-fashioned charm, endless grace, an unflinching determination, and a passion for serving others seldom seen in our modern times.”
—Hamil Harris, Washington Post, Emmy-Award winning videographer

“The research and insight in this book lend to a much-needed discussion of just how far African American women have come and how far they have to go.”
—Mika Brzezinski, co-host of MSNBC’s Morning Joe and author of Knowing Your Value

“Black Woman Redefined offers an urgent message that readers need to hear now: Put yourself first. The stories Sophia A. Nelson offers, coupled with thorough research and data, will make this read a game changer. Many conversations will begin about this book over many, many years and that’s a good thing.”
—Essence magazine

About the Author

Sophia A. Nelson is the chairman and founder of iask, Inc. (aka “I Am My Sister’s Keeper”) an international organization dedicated to the service, self, and success of professional black women. She is a popular blogger and much sought-after national columnist, speaker, and political/social commentator for media outlets such as CNN, Fox News, MSNBC, NPR, The Huffington Post, BET, and BBC. Her opinion pieces have appeared in The Washington Post, The Washington Times, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Chicago Sun Times, USA TODAY, Essence, and National Law Journal/LegalTimes.

--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 260 pages
• Publisher: BenBella Books; First Printing edition (May 31, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1935618946
• ISBN-13: 978-1935618942
• Product Dimensions: 6.3 x 1 x 9.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (54 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #469,864 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Sophia A. Nelson is an accomplished, upwardly mobile woman to watch. She is a highly sought after speaker, media/political commentator, national columnist and published author who is "redefining" the rules for 21st Century living and success.

As one of a select few African American female national opinion writers and political/cultural pundits, Sophia contributes to Jet Magazine, The Washington Post, CNN Opinion, TheGrio.com, TheRoot.com, NPR, and is featured regularly on all of the major networks (ABC, CBS, NBC) as well as Cable outlets such as CNN, MSNBC, FOX, and BET.

Sophia speaks on a myriad of topics ranging from workplace retention and advancement strategies for women of color, to relationships, health & wellness, spirituality, and career transformation for women at large. She is a former United States House of Representatives Committee Counsel, and a Defense Industry Lobbyist with the "top 25" nationally ranked law firm of Holland & Knight LLP. Sophia is admitted to practice as an Attorney in New Jersey and Washington, D.C. and before the United States Supreme Court. She began her legal career in 1994 as a State Regulatory Counsel & Business Advisor to New Jersey Governor Christine Todd Whitman (R-NJ).

Prior to establishing SAN Enterprises LLC (a Communications & Lobbying firm), Sophia served in several senior and executive positions within the government and corporate sector. Among her industry accomplishments, She served as a Director of Congressional & Public Affairs at the United States Chamber of Commerce, as an Associate at the law firm of Horn Goldberg Gorny Daniels Plackter & Weiss, and as President & CEO of ALN Consulting, Inc., which she merged into a new practice group at Holland & Knight LLP focused on developing MBEs, WBEs and Emerging Market IT & Defense companies.

Sophia is also the founder and current Chairman of the Board of iask, Inc. (formerly I Am My Sister's Keeper, Inc.), an organization dedicated to the relational, emotional, spiritual, career, and health of professional black women. Amid her ascending media profile, Sophia is a featured speaker with Leading Authorities Speaking Bureau and Society of Industry Leaders.
Sophia's first highly anticipated book Black Woman Redefined, to be published in 2011, examines the inner lives of accomplished black women.

Through a compelling combination of groundbreaking survey research and inspiring real life stories, this pragmatic and inspirational survival guide takes the "mask" off of the proverbial strong black woman, helping them reach beyond the stereotypes that often limit them and the achievements that often define them. Contributors include Soledad O'Brien, Rep. Jesse Jackson, Jr., Actress Rae Dawn Chong, CNN Anchor Fredricka Whitfield, MSNBC Anchor Tamron Hall, and Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton among many others.

Sophia earned her Bachelor's Degree in Political Science (Minor in Africana Studies) from San Diego State University in 1990. She earned her Juris Doctorate Degree from American University-Washington College of Law, after transferring from Washington & Lee University-Law School in 1992, in 1994. Sophia is also a proud active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (Xi Omega Graduate Chapter). She resides in Loudoun County Virginia.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

41 of 44 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Redefining All Women and Changing Global Perceptions May 21, 2011

By Alison Fleischer

Format:Hardcover

From a woman's perspective and myself being a novice writer, I was astounded by Sophia Nelson's depth of research and the thoughtful way in which she approached her subject. I really enjoyed the level to which she studied this subject and provided me, as the reader, with so much background and context for her commentary. The idea of stereotypes seems to constantly pervade our society, including many that women and black women fall victim to themselves. While I'm not a black woman, I did feel drawn into this book and saw many behaviors, attitudes, feelings, and perspectives that I think any woman of any race or ethnicity could instantly relate to. I felt like she was talking to me and her audience because the book read like a conversation despite being so researched and educational. It gave me a renewed sense of respect for those women out there who are standing up and illustrating just how much everyone - no matter their gender or their race - can contribute. I admired the way in which Sophia Nelson touched on some very sensitive subjects and was both forthright and poignant in her delivery. The fact that she included contributions from many well-known people added to the flavor of the book and complimented her own messages. This is an empowering read that will touch so many people, change minds, and create positive action.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars The title alone caught my eye and intrigued me. May 23, 2011

By D. Pitts

Format:Hardcover

The idea of redefining yourselves is at the heart of Sophia Nelson's book and is a wonderful read for any black woman - young or old, single or married, mother or aunt. My favorite aspect of the book was the positive messages and insistence that we move beyond anger, bitterness, and hatred toward love and purpose. Her messages about how redefining the black woman is a team effort where we all need to get on board, get over the drama, and work together is truly needed. I think we can only do what Sophia Nelson advises if we start with ourselves and those around us. This is a great gift for any woman in your life!

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A must read for all women. A real game changer!!! May 20, 2011

By Claire

Format:Hardcover

I was able to read an early copy of this book, and I just received my final copy over the weekend. The presentation from the cover to the back is stunning. The colors of purple and black radiate the proud history and yet gentle souls of black women. The book itself is in a word: Powerful. Ms. Nelson (she says she is 44--I don't believe her) is a gifted writer and a phenomenal conversationalist. I did not feel like I was reading a research book at all. I felt like she was in my living room sitting with a glass of wine or a cup of tea. TI am also a woman from Europe, and I can tell you this book is as chapter 3 discusses a "game changer"--Nelson opens black women up in a whole new way to themselves and to the world. I have also seen a lot of media around this book--from MSNBC to Essence, to USA TODAY and Tom Joyner Morning show. The review quotes on the jacket and in the book are also surprising--how does one get Michael Eric Dyson and Sean Hannity to like the same book?? Really. Wow! This is a must read book for all black women, all women, and all Americans.

Thank you Ms. Nelson--you are a changing the game for us all!