Karen Chilton narrates this audiobook, which blends the history of Juneteenth with the personal experiences of the author, Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Annette Gordon-Reed. While Juneteenth is now observed nationally, the holiday's origins are firmly placed in Texas. On June 19, 1865, years after the Emancipation Proclamation and months after the official end of the Civil War, a Union general arrived in Galveston and brought news of the Confederacy's defeat and the end of slavery. Chilton effectively delivers a concise history lesson while also being attuned to the personal side of Gordon-Reed's work. Gordon-Reed's family is strongly tied to Texas, and her fondness for the state--despite its racial history and continuing struggles today--is perfectly captured in Chilton's spirited narration.
Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2021
Duration: 3 hrs, 45 mins
Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Soft-voiced narrator Danielle Lee James becomes the author as she recounts her research into the life, accomplishments, and trials of Mary MacLeod Bethune, who was often called the "First Lady of the Struggle" or "First Lady of Black America." Author Noliwe Rooks's brief academic work focuses on Bethune's political philosophy as it is intertwined with the life and legacy of this consequential twentieth- century woman who dared to fight the system for Black women and girls. Using subtle pauses and changes in pacing, James skillfully moves listeners' attention between discussions of Bethune's life and the author's reflections on Bethune's accomplishments, including her crucial work with First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, Presidents Truman and FDR, and other national leaders.
Pub Date: July 23, 2024
Duration: 3 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9780593864715
Publisher: Penguin Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Narrator Janina Edwards gives an exceptional presentation of this biographical examination of Harriet Tubman. This audiobook compares the work of Tubman and other known civil rights activists in the pre-Civil War period. Edwards effectively delivers the vignettes of Tubman's life, complete with Southern accents and the local vernacular of the era. Tubman endured more physical abuse and mental hardships in her lifetime than any other activist. Most did not physically help hundreds of slaves gain their freedom. Edwards creates a realistic portrait of the woman, her life and loves, and what drove her into action. There is new information embedded in this portrait that will amaze most listeners. Edwards's clear admiration for this hero resonates in her voice and performance.
Pub Date: June 18, 2024
Duration: 6 hrs
DD ISBN: 9780593864395
Publisher: Penguin Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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