Mary McLeod Bethune, a child of enslaved parents, has struggled endlessly for equal rights. Already a staunch advocate, activist, entrepreneur and educator, an invitation to a luncheon puts Mary into contact with Eleanor Roosevelt, who is trying to open a school herself. Eleanor is keen to speak with Mary, but racism prevails in her social group, Eleanor makes somes missteps, but Mary finds an equal partner in advancing rights for the people in her community. As Eleanor's husband makes strides politically, Eleanor becomes a new kind of First Lady, fighting tirelessly alongside Mary to end lynching, segregation and advance Civil Rights for everyone.
I was amazed that I didn't know anything about the First Lady of the Struggle, Mary McLeod Bethune. The story of Eleanor and Mary is told through two equally amazing and thoughtful authors who each tackle the sections written from Mary and Eleanor's points of view. Highlighted throughout the story is Mary and Eleanor's unique friendship that is born out of mutual respect and understanding of each other's background and lives. Most of all, it seemed like the two women had a blast being together while working towards a larger goal. I was constantly amazed by Mary's tireless march toward equality and the many different ways she tackled racism. Eleanor's openness and willingness to face difficult conversations with Mary in order to begin to have an understanding of the racism that she faced everyday was refreshing. Many of these conversations still need to be had today. Eleanor's efforts to push her and Mary's combined efforts onto her husband and advance the United States were exemplary. Each point of view gave an intimate look into each woman's life while focusing on their main goals. It was astonishing to read how much Mary and Eleanor were able to get done while reminding myself of how much work we still need to do.
I was amazed that I didn't know anything about the First Lady of the Struggle, Mary McLeod Bethune. The story of Eleanor and Mary is told through two equally amazing and thoughtful authors who each tackle the sections written from Mary and Eleanor's points of view. Highlighted throughout the story is Mary and Eleanor's unique friendship that is born out of mutual respect and understanding of each other's background and lives. Most of all, it seemed like the two women had a blast being together while working towards a larger goal. I was constantly amazed by Mary's tireless march toward equality and the many different ways she tackled racism. Eleanor's openness and willingness to face difficult conversations with Mary in order to begin to have an understanding of the racism that she faced everyday was refreshing. Many of these conversations still need to be had today. Eleanor's efforts to push her and Mary's combined efforts onto her husband and advance the United States were exemplary. Each point of view gave an intimate look into each woman's life while focusing on their main goals. It was astonishing to read how much Mary and Eleanor were able to get done while reminding myself of how much work we still need to do.
