Charlotte Hawkins Brown and Palmer Memorial Institute

“[The authors] have captured the essence of Brown in this inspiring and beautifully written work. . . . Those interested in black education, women’s history, and North Carolina history will find this monograph rich and invaluable.” — Journal of Southern History

“In offering this well-researched study, [the authors are ] filling an enormous gap. They reveal in powerful detail the drive, skill, commitment, and religious faith that enabled Brown to create a school in North Carolina and to run it for almost fifty years; at the same time they provide insights into Brown’s human frailties and inner tensions. . . . A thorough institutional history of Palmer that is unlikely to be bettered.” — Journal of American History

“A credible narrative of a remarkable woman who created a viable African American institution despite the most daunting obstacles. This profusely illustrated and carefully researched book will be important not only for North Carolina libraries but also institutions supporting research on African American history, education, and institution building.” — CHOICE

“An inspiring biography of a dedicated educator who surmounted financial obstacles and prejudice to make a dream come true.” — Richmond Voice

“Unquestionably this book is a major contribution to the literature on a leading Tar Heel educator of the 20th century and the school she founded.” — Our State

“Unquestionably, this thoroughly documented book is a major contribution to the literature on a leading Tarheel educator of this century and the school she founded.” — Winston-Salem Journal

“An important study of Dr. Brown and Palmer Institute, illuminating academic and social life at the private black high school, particularly shared values of dignity, dissent, and uplift. A welcome contribution to North Carolina history in the age of Jim Crow.” — Raymond Gavins, Duke University

“This is a well researched and carefully told story of a visionary and courageous Black woman and the important school she conceived of, built and rebuilt, defended, led, and — only when forced to — let go of after it flourished for over sixty years. Young upper and middle class African Americans no longer matriculate at a place called Palmer Memorial Institute; but the ideals upon which Sister President Charlotte Hawkins Brown set that institution have a permanent place in the history of and ongoing hopes for African American education.” — Johnnetta B. Cole, Emory University