This brave book, which tells the story of a Black female educator through multiple philosophical lenses of oppression and liberation, comes at a time when Critical Race Theory (CRT) is being maligned by ultra conservative politicians who have purposely misrepresented the basic tenets of CRT and the importance of its inclusion in the education of Americans on the continued central role of race in U.S. society. It also comes at a time when these same politicians are redefining what it means to be ‘Woke’ and the history of oppression in U.S. society. Therefore, any mention of theories or even themes supported by Black Feminist Thought and other emancipatory analyses, as outlined by Taylor, have become grounds for firing superintendents and teachers and the erasure from school libraries of any historical accounts, such as the life of Eleanor, or any multicultural or ‘diverse’ books. While this is a challenging time for such emancipatory analyses and thinking, it is a perfect time for this publication to challenge these misrepresentations. American Educator, Activist, and Advocate: Eleanor Rebecca Powell Archer tells a full, rich, and compelling story and an accurate portrait of a Black female educator, all while educating us on the context of her journey and accomplishments.
— Patricia R. Leigh, Iowa State University
Though depicted as an “ordinary person,” the telling of Eleanor Rebecca Power Archer’s story provides intricately woven glimpses of life of a Black woman who traversed and achieved in a world designed for her subjugation. Kay Ann Taylor portrays every aspect of Eleanor’s life with rich examples of Black pride and racial uplift, activism, advocacy, and belief in the power of education. The pillars of the African American community such as the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) church, a church established for its activism and known for breaking away from the white church to empower the Black community, the Black sorority, to Black printed materials such as The Crisis, all supported, sustained, and propelled Eleanor to excel despite persistent racism, gendered and unequal opportunities throughout her life. Eleanor’s story as the third Black female to graduate from Iowa State College is framed by pivotal events in American history—slavery, The Emancipation, The Depression, World War II, the Brown v Board decision, and outright discrimination. Her survival of these events speaks to her tenacious pride, determination, and belief in self that characterized many Black people during this period. Eleanor Rebecca Power Archer’s story is more than just the story of one remarkable Black woman. Rather, Eleanor’s story represents the tales of myriad Black women during this period who overcame similar circumstances because of their fortitude, courage, dignity, and determination and who were also extraordinary “unsung” pioneers of their time, making this book important for all readers.
— Sheryl Croft, Kennesaw State University
Weaving together, in impressive detail, Eleanor’s story with the histories of Black Iowa, Black educational history, and Black women’s history, Kay Ann Taylor gifts us with expanded and deeply personal accounts of what it means to come of age as a Black woman in America against the backdrops of the Great Depression and social segregation. Moving through the breadth of Eleanor’s full life experiences, we are able to learn critical lessons about family, sisterhood, persistence, resilience, and advocacy. This is an excellent read for historians, educators, and anyone else who values the voices and experiences of Black women who teach and lead with purpose.
— Miyoshi B. Juergensen, The University of Alabama at Birmingham