Ella Baker and the Black Freedom Movement

“A magisterial rendering of one of the greatest radical democrats in the twentieth century. Ella Baker is a grand exemplar of the organic intellectual to emerge from the depths of black culture with a sophisticated international vision and an incredible courage.”—Cornel West, Princeton University

“Ella Baker was an unsung hero and intellectual giant of the black freedom struggle of the twentieth century. Ransby’s biography is a magnificent and timely reminder that Baker’s visionary voice, eloquent democratic silences, and unflinching faith in the power of ordinary people are much needed guides for the twenty-first century as well.” —Lani Guinier, Harvard University

“A stunning achievement by a brilliant historian. Ransby’s exquisite investigation of Ella Baker is grounded in rich archival research and a wealth of oral interviews. In this illuminating analysis, Ransby unveils the private life and dissects the public role played by a leader of the black freedom movement, at once well-known and revered by many but enigmatic even to those closest to her. This superb biography of an extraordinary radical democrat illuminates the intersection of power, struggle, and revolutionary transformation through the lens of a well-spent life.”—Darlene Clark Hine, Michigan State University

“In this compelling biography, Barbara Ransby guides us through the life of that extraordinary fighter for racial equality and social justice, Ella Jo Baker. To all of us who worked with Ella Baker in the movement, she was a person of legendary courage and inspiring intellectual power. She worked harder, saw farther, and reached deeper than anyone else in the struggle, not only for the rights of black people but for fundamental social change. All of her qualities shine through in this book, which is an important contribution not only to women’s history and African American history but also to the history of this country.” —Howard Zinn, Boston University

“Barbara Ransby’s long-awaited biography of Ella Baker was certainly worth waiting for! This powerful, unforgettable story of one of the black freedom struggle’s most influential and inspirational activists is at once scholarly, analytical, and deeply moving, essential reading for all who are interested in the possibilities of democracy.”—John Dittmer, DePauw University

“This is a truly remarkable biography of a truly remarkable intellectual activist. Ella Baker, a legend in the black freedom movement, has been brought to life through this powerfully written study by historian Barbara Ransby. Ella Baker and the Black Freedom Movement will become, like Clayborne Carson’s In Struggle, a standard in our interpretation of the civil rights era. Ransby’s balanced and insightful interpretation of this courageous black visionary provides a wonderful model of what biography at its best can be.”—Manning Marable, Columbia University