The Three Mothers: How the Mothers of Martin Luther King, Jr., Malcolm X, and James Baldwin Shaped a Nation

More about the book

In her groundbreaking debut, scholar Anna Malaika Tubbs celebrates Black motherhood by exploring the lives of three women who shaped pivotal figures in American history: Martin Luther King, Jr., Malcolm X, and James Baldwin. While much has been documented about their famous sons, the extraordinary contributions of Berdis Baldwin, Alberta King, and Louise Little have largely been overlooked. Born at the start of the 20th century, these mothers faced the harsh realities of Jim Crow and the prejudices against Black women. They imparted vital lessons to their children, equipping them to navigate a society that denied their humanity. Louise instilled a sense of their activist heritage, Berdis encouraged James's writing, and Alberta grounded her teachings in faith and social justice. Each woman used her strength and maternal instincts to guide her son toward greatness, driven by the conviction that every individual deserves dignity and respect, despite the pervasive discrimination they encountered. They taught resilience and affirmed the worth of Black people, often at great personal risk. Their stories, filled with both shared experiences and unique challenges, highlight a crucial yet untold piece of history and celebrate the profound impact of Black motherhood.