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jennagrace_m's review
3.0
There's no question that Dorothy Pitman Hughes has led a revolutionary, radical, inspiring life. However, this telling of her story felt very clinical and sparse on details.
soiwenthome's review
4.0
The iconic photo on the cover of this book from Esquire magazine 1971 is well known and while Gloria Steinem may be a household name, the lesser-known human rights activist next to her, Dorothy Pitman Hughes, finally gets her time to shine in this concise and accessible biography. After losing her father to KKK violence, she moved to New York and became a social justice warrior with child welfare and intersectionality at her forefront. She empowered communities in poverty, women, and other underserved populations, founded a day care center, spoke nationally about women of color’s rights, co-founded Ms. Magazine, and was a pivotal figure in Harlem’s Black-owned business community. Written with clarity and focus, Lovett helps to round out the availability of quality books about women’s history and American feminism.
siria's review
3.0
Dorothy Pitman Hughes is perhaps most widely known from the famous photograph taken in the 1970s of her standing next to Gloria Steinem, both women with their fists raised. However, while Steinem is still a highly visible public figure to this day, Pitman Hughes—a community activist who went on a national speaking tour with Steinem—is far less well known. In this, the first biography of Pitman Hughes, Laura Lovett outlines Pitman Hughes' life and work, and shows how race, class, gender, and motherhood put her on a different trajectory to Steinem.
Early on in this slim book, Lovett argues that it's not only the famous with certain kinds of achievements who are deserving of autobiographies—that there is much to be gained from studying the lives and communities of those who are more representative of everyday experiences. I think that is certainly true! But it's undeniably true that Lovett has less surviving primary source material to work with when telling Pitman Hughes' story than she would have with other important second wave figures—it doesn't seem that the texts of her speeches have survived, for instance, unlike those of many of Steinem's. And perhaps because Pitman Hughes is still alive, Lovett doesn't delve too deeply into her personal life—this is mostly focused on Pitman Hughes' organising career.
Still, a worthwhile read.
Early on in this slim book, Lovett argues that it's not only the famous with certain kinds of achievements who are deserving of autobiographies—that there is much to be gained from studying the lives and communities of those who are more representative of everyday experiences. I think that is certainly true! But it's undeniably true that Lovett has less surviving primary source material to work with when telling Pitman Hughes' story than she would have with other important second wave figures—it doesn't seem that the texts of her speeches have survived, for instance, unlike those of many of Steinem's. And perhaps because Pitman Hughes is still alive, Lovett doesn't delve too deeply into her personal life—this is mostly focused on Pitman Hughes' organising career.
Still, a worthwhile read.
shannanh's review
5.0
Gloria Steinenm is a household name when it comes to the works of the feminism movement. But she didn't do it alone. Standing next to her and working along side her was a woman named Dorothy Pitman Hughes. This is her story. Not does it cover her life, it covers her work in the movement, including her work for the black feminist movement, which often gets overlooked. The author did such a great job with this book.
I recieved a copy of the book via edelweiss plus and am voluntarily leaving an honest review
I recieved a copy of the book via edelweiss plus and am voluntarily leaving an honest review
faeriedancingatdusk's review against another edition
3.5
a little all over the place but good information
hannahdcd's review
4.0
I’m very glad to have received this book through a Goodreads giveaway. The book presents an accessible and knowledgeable history of Dorothy Pitman Hughes’s life. At just over one hundred pages, the author covers Dorothy’s major life milestones and activism endeavors. The length of the book draws someone like me in, as it isn’t too long or daunting, and the style of writing enhances the book’s accessibility. The accompanying theory woven throughout the book also ties Dorothy’s story to larger phenomena - learning about the difference between movement and community organizing was particularly interesting and really highlights the importance and nuance of organizing for an array of goals.
I’m amazed by the story of Dorothy’s life, and also disappointed that I have not learned about her until now. As the author also points out, the fact that the general public is more familiar with Gloria Steinem than Dorothy Pitman Hughes is an example of the continuing erasure of Black women’s leadership in activism. I was also interested in how varied Dorothy’s career and activism was - community organizing, running a day-care center, a copy store, and a pageant, and being an author and speaker. It’s clear her activism took many forms. One part of her career I found inspirational is her holistic and self-deterministic approach to education. Her day-care center taught children to be advocates for themselves and for their communities.
I am also glad to know that the proceeds of the book are going to Dorothy, as this is her story. I will definitely be looking up Dorothy’s books to find out how I can borrow/buy them!
I’m amazed by the story of Dorothy’s life, and also disappointed that I have not learned about her until now. As the author also points out, the fact that the general public is more familiar with Gloria Steinem than Dorothy Pitman Hughes is an example of the continuing erasure of Black women’s leadership in activism. I was also interested in how varied Dorothy’s career and activism was - community organizing, running a day-care center, a copy store, and a pageant, and being an author and speaker. It’s clear her activism took many forms. One part of her career I found inspirational is her holistic and self-deterministic approach to education. Her day-care center taught children to be advocates for themselves and for their communities.
I am also glad to know that the proceeds of the book are going to Dorothy, as this is her story. I will definitely be looking up Dorothy’s books to find out how I can borrow/buy them!
mhbloss's review
3.0
I listened to this book and quite honestly, the reader negatively impacted my experience. I think I'll pick up a physical copy and try again.