Ella Baker Book

2017 Reading Challenge - A book about an interesting woman

This biography of Ella Baker is engaging. I knew of Baker's work through other studies of history, this book offered a chance to learn about her work and ethos in an in depth personal manner since it was authored by one of her close friends. Bakers lifelong advocacy of young activists is inspiring. She supported them and had faith that they knew how to grow their own movements. This faith in others to realize their own potentials also was strongly reflected in her championing of grassroots activism within communities. To her credit she shunned top down leadership and advanced the idea that the people who were most affected by a political movement - sharecroppers, students, whomever was on the front lines - should be leading the movement. The author describes how Baker would sit back in meetings listening for hours as people worked through problems and ideas. She would take in everything before she brought forth her ideas, and she never tried to push her agenda, she simply reflected and offered sage advice. This is such a strength, to listen and really hear what people have to say, and then to support them. Her patience, acceptance, listening ear and fortitude are inspiring. I recommend this book.