Book description
An intimate and searching account of the life and legacy of one of America's towering educators, a woman who dared to center the progress of Black women and girls in the larger struggle for political and social liberation When Mary McLeod Bethune died, tributes in newspapers around the country said the same thing: she should be on the Mount Rushmore of Black American achievement. Indeed, Bethune is the only Black American whose statue stands in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol, and yet for most, she remains a marble figure from the dim past. Now, seventy years later, Noliwe Rooks turns Bethune from stone to flesh, showing her to have been a visionary leader with lessons to still teach us as we continue on our journey toward a freer and more just nation. Any serious effort to understand how the Black civil rights generation found role models, vision, and inspiration during their midcentury struggle for political power must place Bethune at its heart. Her success was unlikely: the fifteenth of seventeen children and the first born into freedom, Bethune survived brutal poverty and caste subordination to become the first in her family to learn how to read and to attend college. She gave that same gift to others when in 1904, at age twenty-nine, Bethune welcomed her first class of five girls to the Daytona, Florida, school she had founded and which would become the university that bears her name to this day. Bethune saw education as an essential dimension of the larger struggle for freedom, vitally connected to the vote and to economic self-sufficiency, and she enlisted Eleanor Roosevelt, Harry Truman, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and many other powerful leaders in her cause. Rooks grew up in Florida, in Bethune's shadow: her grandmother trained to be a teacher at Bethune-Cookman University, and her family vacationed at the all-Black beach that Bethune helped found in one of her many community empowerment projects. The story of how Bethune succeeded in a state with some of the highest lynching rates in the country is, in Rooks's hands, a moving and astonishing example of the power of a mind and a vision that had few equals. Now, when the stakes of the long struggle for full Black equality in this country are particularly evident--and centered on the state of Florida--it is a gift to have this brilliant and lyrical reckoning with Bethune's journey from one of our own great educators and scholars of that same struggle.
About the Author
Noliwe Rooks is the chair of and a professor in Africana Studies at Brown University. Her work explores how race and gender both impact and are impacted by popular culture, social history, and political life in the United States. The author of four books and numerous articles, essays, and op-eds, Rooks has received research funding from the Ford Foundation, the Mellon Foundation, and the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs, among other organizations. She lectures frequently at colleges and universities around the country and is a regular contributor to popular outlets such as The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Chronicle of Higher Education, Time, and NPR.
Wonder Lady
I've become addicted to this app β in the best possible way! This app is my secret weapon for making the most of my free time. This app's customizable features, from playback speed to filters, are fantastic. I can finally listen to all my audiobooks seamlessly with ListenBook. The customizable playback controls and chapter navigation make it a breeze.
Gamer Bean
Every moment is a chance to explore new stories with this app. Its intuitive features and compatibility ensure my audiobook journey is seamless. ππ§ ListenBook has made managing my audiobook collection a breeze. Library organization is top-notch. The ability to download audiobooks directly is fantastic. ListenBook is very convenient.
Dez Bonbon
I'm in awe of how technology has enhanced my reading experience through this app. ListenBook's dedication to excellence shines through in its performance and features. I'm hooked on this app's ability to transform my ordinary moments into exciting opportunities for learning. Sharing audiobooks with friends is a fantastic way to introduce them to new stories.
Kazami of Truth
I've fallen in love with literature all over again, thanks to this incredible app. ListenBook's commitment to delivering an exceptional audiobook experience is evident in its thoughtful features and design. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch integration ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks wherever I am. This app has enriched my daily routine with the joy of stories and knowledge.
Toy Town
I never thought I'd enjoy audiobooks as much as I do now β all thanks to this app. I'm hooked on this app's seamless performance β it's like having a personal audiobook curator. Audiobook enthusiasts, gather around! This app's exceptional features, from audio filters to robust support, have transformed my daily routines into storytelling moments. ππ§
New York Sixlet
ListenBook's dedication to providing a smooth and enjoyable listening experience is evident in every aspect of the app. I can't get enough of this app's convenience β it has transformed my audiobook journey into a joyous experience. I can't believe how easily this app has fit into my daily routine.
Referee
I've discovered authors I'd never heard of before, and now they're among my favorites. ListenBook's dedication to delivering a high-quality playback experience sets it apart from other apps. I'm grateful for ListenBook's seamless compatibility with a variety of formats β it's a true lifesaver. ListenBook has turned my audio content into an immersive, personalized, and unforgettable experience. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun way to inspire others to read.
Knight Light
Finally, an app that respects my busy lifestyle. Whether I'm commuting or exercising, this app's smooth playback and smart controls keep me engaged. πββοΈπ§ Sharing audiobooks with friends is so easy with AirDrop. It's a great way to spread happiness. I'm amazed by the app's compatibility with different audio formats. It's truly versatile.
RZR
ListenBook has transformed my mundane activities into enjoyable moments of learning and entertainment. ListenBook has made my daily commutes enjoyable. No more boredom!
Duchess
This app has made my daily walks a time for both exercise and learning. π§ββοΈ Finding serenity through the soothing tones of audiobooks β mindfulness and stories in perfect harmony. π§ββοΈπ§ Quick access to chapters and controls makes ListenBook a breeze to use. It's an intuitive experience. Supports all my playlists and bookmarks seamlessly. Very convenient.
Snake Eyes
The app's layout is clean and intuitive, making it a pleasure to navigate. The app's performance is unparalleled. It's like it's tailor-made for my device. ListenBook has streamlined my audiobook experience. It's a must-have app for enthusiasts.
Sassy Muffin
ListenBook Pro offers amazing value with unlimited audiobook length and noise reduction features. π± An app that truly understands audiobook enthusiasts β it's all about functionality, and this app nails it! ππ‘ Streamlining my audiobook journey β this app's design is top-notch. Great for listening to a variety of content. Highly recommend!
Skull Crusher
ListenBook's powerful audio downloading features are a dream come true β no more hassles! The features on this app, from bookmarks to playback speed, cater to all preferences. ListenBook's compatibility with various formats ensures that my audio needs are met. π Adding excitement to each day β this app ensures that every moment is an opportunity to explore new stories. ππ AirDrop sharing makes it easy to share audiobooks with friends.
Flint
ListenBook has turned my daily routines into audiobook-driven journeys of imagination. πββοΈπ Combining exercise and exploration β this app keeps me motivated on my daily jogs! πββοΈπ π‘ Enriching my daily routines with wisdom and wonder β thank you, this app! π±π πΆ Swapping background music for the soothing voices of narrators β audiobooks have become my soundtrack for daily life. π΅π Downloading books over WiFi is quick and hassle-free. Very convenient.
Fire Fish
I can't get enough of this app's easy navigation and quick access to chapters and playback controls. Navigating through chapters has never been easier. It's a user-friendly delight.
Yellow Menace
This app has made me appreciate the art of storytelling even more. With this app, I've discovered a new way to make my daily routines more enriching and rewarding. ListenBook's Pro version is worth every penny. The noise reduction feature makes even noisy environments an ideal place for immersive listening. Flawless support for various audio formats. Highly satisfied. Binaural audio processing reduces listening fatigue. Fantastic feature!
Copilot
Binaural audio processing on ListenBook is a thoughtful addition that keeps my ears comfortable during extended listening sessions. ListenBook's audio filters and controls have turned my listening into a personalized experience. Say goodbye to cumbersome interfaces β this app's intuitive controls and user-friendly design have elevated my audiobook experience to new heights. π±π
Abyss Tamer
ListenBook's audio filters and controls have turned my listening sessions into immersive experiences. π± An entire library at my fingertips β this app is a book lover's dream come true! ππ π Ironing has become a joy with audiobooks β wrinkles are no match for these captivating stories! ππ§
Shadow Chaser
I've become so much more productive while cleaning or exercising β thanks to this app! The ListenBook app has transformed my device into a treasure trove of knowledge and entertainment. ListenBook's dedication to providing an excellent audiobook experience is evident in its smooth and silky playback.
QuestQuill
This app makes traffic jams a breeze β time flies by while I'm engrossed in a story. Audiobooks have turned my mundane activities into opportunities for learning and enjoyment.
Playing a wide variety of audio formats
Works on all devices with iOS 13 and newer
Huge amount of features for a small price
Frequent updates to add new features and improve existing ones
Advanced playback controls
Live sound processing
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice and noise reduction
Translated into more than 20 languages
If you love listening to fiction audiobooks, ListenBook has features to make the process easier.
Edit book data: title, author, cover
Use equalizer to make the sound comfortable for you
Adjust the playback speed
Enjoy dark and light app themes
Supported formats: MP3, M4B, AWB, FLAC, OGG audio files and many more (must be DRM free)
Auto-Bookmarks make it easy to find your place
AirPlay support allows redirection of audio output.
VoiceOver support
Dark mode for night owls
Convenient bookmarking system helps you mark the most important places.
Unlimited bookmarks for each audiobook
Put your own cover on the wager
Share your audiobook with friends
Lock-screen control
Customise app with extensive options
Sleep timer with shake to reset, set custom notification sounds, and a few unique options
Auto rewind depending on paused time, customize rewind times to your liking
Removing background noise from recordings made in classrooms and meetings
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice for a better listening experience