Elaine Brown’s writing powerfully interrogates the realities of racism and oppression in the United States. As the first woman to lead the Black Panther Party, Brown was a trailblazer who championed electoral politics and community service, distinguishing her approach from prevailing narratives. Her memoir offers a stark account of her struggles against the sexism and patriarchy she encountered within the movement, highlighting her resilient pursuit of justice. Brown continues her advocacy, focusing on criminal justice reform and educational opportunities for underserved youth, demonstrating a lifelong commitment to social change.
"In 1974 Elaine Brown became the first woman leader of the Black Panther Party. This is her unforgettable memoir, charting her rise from an impoverished neighbourhood in Philadelphia, through her political awakening during a bohemian adolescence, and on to her time as a foot soldier for the Panthers and ascent into its male-dominated upper ranks. It is a seminal exploration of power, racism and one woman's revolutionary struggle"--Publisher's description.