Reviews

Civil Rights Queen: Constance Baker Motley and the Struggle for Equality by Tomiko Brown-Nagin

ledonaldson's review against another edition

hopeful informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

4.5

This is a really important book for those interested in learning about highly influential but lesser publicized individuals within the Civil Rights Movement. I’ve heard of Constance Baker Motley before but this book was critical in educating me about her impressive career, influence and legacy. I wish the book had more of Motley’s voice in it though. Her quotes are used throughout the book but sometimes I wanted to feel more emotion. Although this might partially stem from her personality - the book mentions that only her inner circle got a “peak behind the curtain.” Regardless, I tremendously enjoyed learning about her story.

knitgeek's review against another edition

challenging dark hopeful informative inspiring reflective relaxing slow-paced

3.0

ceegee's review against another edition

informative reflective medium-paced

4.5

abronstein's review against another edition

challenging hopeful informative inspiring reflective

4.0

This book hold so much important information that can better a reader as a person. I liked that the tone held no political sway as it was just presenting the information about a remarkable American woman who should have a greater spotlight in American history. 

bex1964's review against another edition

informative inspiring medium-paced

5.0

Very readable. It reminds one of how far we have come and how far we have to go. Portrays Judge Motley as exceptional but very human 

lauren__rene's review against another edition

inspiring slow-paced

4.5

rywalker's review against another edition

informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

4.25

nrogers_1030's review against another edition

emotional informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

4.75

fluffdragon's review against another edition

4.0

Interesting biography that also looked at the landscape of law and society while Constance Baker Motley was working in the law.

ashp's review against another edition

emotional hopeful reflective slow-paced

5.0

An important book about a Black woman who informed how being a wife, career woman, and mother is not an anomaly, even in the 1950s. Baker Motley is central to a number of important history making moments. This is a thorough biography. I think of her like Bayard Rustin, an important Civil Rights leader who has not been rightfully acknowledged until recently.