Ella Baker: Freedom Bound

Rating:
Summary: Forgotten Hero
Review: Everyone has heard of Martin Luther King, but few remember what Ella Baker did. Baker helped to develop the civil rights movement by working at the grass roots level with the NAACP and SCLC but, since she worked outside of the spotlight, she has received little credit for her accomplishments. Known to most activists of the 1940s, 50s, and 60s, Baker is well-deserving of a biography and this is particularly well-written one. More information about her private life could have been included though.

Rating:
Summary: Ms. Ella Baker - the heart & soul of the movement
Review: More than any other single figure, Ella Baker represents the heart and soul of the civil rights movement at its highest and best. Starting earlier than most any other central leader, Ms. Baker was instrumental in sparking more of the major events in civil rights history than any other. Yet always working as the behind the scenes organizer and pushing others forward, particularly grassroots and youthful leaders, Ms. Baker is probably the least known outside the movement. No more important task exists than preserving her memory and Joanne Grant has done an excellent job in this important book. Even insiders will be surprised at what they'll learn in this comprehensive account. A great followup to Joanne's earlier documentary: Fundi - The Life of Ella Baker. Ms. Baker is universally revered among movement people for her wisdom, courage and acute political analysis that taught and guided thousands. Truly she was as close to a real saint as this world produces and to! ! uched her times in the most redemptive and revolutionary way.