Anna J. Cooper was an accomplished educator who used her influence to encourage and elevate African Americans. With , she delivers a poignant analysis of the country’s affairs as they relate to Black people, specifically Black women. She stresses the importance of education, which she sees as a great equalizer. Cooper considers it a necessary investment in not only the individual but the community. She also criticizes the depictions of African Americans in literature by some of the day’s most popular authors. She calls for more realistic portrayals that are both honest yet positive. Cooper provides an unflinching critique of mainstream America as it relates to the Black population. broaches pivotal topics such as women’s rights, segregation and the need for higher education. With an eye-catching new cover, and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of is both modern and readable.