Reviewed in the United States on January 16, 2010
Black Women in White America by Gerder Lerner ****
I almost decided not to read this book. I thought it was one of those feminist non-sense books that no respecting Black woman would waste her time reading such propaganda. However, once I began to read, I am glad I did. I give this book a 4 star.
Here is an excerpt that really touched me:
"White women have greater opportunities to display their ability because of the standing of both races, and due to the fact that black men are less appreciative of their own men than white men. The former will more readily sing the praises of white women than their own, yet who is more deserving of admiration than the black woman, she who has borne the rigors of slavery, the deprivations of consequence on a pauperized race, and the indignities heaped upon a weak and defenseless people. Yet she has suffered all with fortitude, and stands every ready to help in the onward March to freedom and power.
Be not discourage black women of the world, but push forward, regardless of the lack of appreciation shown you. A race must be saved, a country must be redeemed, and unless you strengthening the leader ship of vacillating Negro men, we will remain marking time until the yellow race gains leadership of the world, and we be forced to subserviency under them, or extermination.
We are tired of hearing Negro men say `There is a better day coming,' while they do nothing to usher in the day. We are becoming so impatient that we are getting in the front ranks, and serve notice on the world that we will brush aside the halting, cowardly Negro man, and with prayer on our lips and arms prepared for any fray, will press on and on until victory is ours.
Africa must be for African, and Negroes everywhere must be independent, God being our guide. Mr. Black man, watch your step! Ethiopia queens will reign again, her Amazons protect her shores and people. Strengthen your shaken knees, and move forward, or we will displace you and lead on to victory and to glory."
Editorial, The Negro World, October 24, 1925
Here is another excerpt:
"It appears to me that America has become like the great city of Babylon...She is indeed a seller of slaves and the souls of men, she has man the Africans drunk with the wine of her fornication; she has put them completely beneath her feet, and she means to keep them there; her right hands support the reins of government, and her left hands the wheels of power, and she is determined not to let go of her grasp. But many power sons and daughters of Africa will shortly arise, who will put down vice and immortality among us, declare......that they will have their rights; and if refused, I am afraid they will spread horror and devastation around. I believe that the oppression of injured Africa has come up before the majesty of Heaven."
Lecture delivered in the African Masonic Hall in Boston, Mass., February 27, 1883, as cited in Meditations from the Pen of Mrs. Maria W. Stewart, 2nd edition.
