Publisher's Synopsis
This is the story of a woman who rose from obscurity to challenge injustice, who used her wealth to empower others, and who faced slander with unyielding resolve
In the heart of Gold Rush San Francisco, a Black woman named Mary Ellen Pleasant rose from the shadows of a divided nation to become a force of unyielding courage, ingenuity, and defiance. The Mother Of Civil Rights unveils the extraordinary life of a self-made millionaire whose wealth was not merely a measure of success but a weapon wielded against oppression. Born into a world that sought to confine her-whether by slavery's chains or society's prejudices-she carved her own path, building an empire of boardinghouses, investments, and influence that rivaled the titans of her time. With a heart ablaze for justice, Pleasant funneled her fortune into the fight for freedom, becoming a linchpin of the Underground Railroad and a bold financier of John Brown's revolutionary stand against slavery. Her quiet whispers in elite parlors, where she eavesdropped on the powerful, armed her with secrets that shaped destinies. Yet, her triumphs came at a cost. Branded a "Voodoo Queen" and smeared by scandal, she faced relentless attacks from those threatened by her power and vision. Undeterred, she stood firm, declaring, "I'd rather be a corpse than a coward," as she challenged segregation in courtrooms and reshaped the fight for civil rights in the American West. This is not just the story of a woman who amassed wealth in a man's world or defied racism in a segregated one. It is the saga of a visionary who dared to dream of equality, who turned adversity into opportunity, and whose legacy burns bright as a beacon for all who strive against injustice. The Mother Of Civil Rights is a testament to the power of resilience, the audacity of hope, and the unbreakable spirit of a woman who changed history-one bold step at a time.
