A review by samantha_shain
Ella Baker and the Black Freedom Movement: A Radical Democratic Vision by Barbara Ransby

4.0

This was a fantastic biography, with some excellent theory tied in during key moments. The writing was smooth, accessible, detailed, emphatic where appropriate, and well organized. Dr. Ransby did a phenomenal job situating Ella Baker among the many organizations and ideological strains that proliferated across her political life. It's so unusual for someone to thrive amongst so many contradictions and even maintain relationships despite conflict. This only makes me respect Ella Baker even more (didn't know that was possible!). Additionally, I appreciated when Dr. Ransby interjected her well-researched opinion on when Ella Baker may have been mistaken or overly influenced by personality disputes (ie her relationship with Dr. King). I'm giving the book 4 stars instead of 5 because (1) I think the book would have been improved with an expanded theory section about the implications of the Black Freedom Movement as an organizing frame; and (2) the gender sections of the book felt weak and a little bit cursory; and (3) this isn't a true criticism of the book because it succeeds with flying colors as a biography, but I selfishly wanted more content about Ella Baker's organization systems because of my research pursuits, and there were almost no references to her day-to-day administrative and clerical efforts.