First biography of a prominent figure in women's higher education

Perceptive and wise, this book will tell you something about yourself whether you are black or white.”—Marian Wright Edelman

Powerfully conveyed through interconnected stories and told through the eyes of a child, this book combines poetry, prose, and stunning illustrations to shine light on this forgotten history.

Edward McClelland, a veteran Chicago journalist, tells the real story of the first black president's political education in the capital of the African American political community.

"The story starts with William Smith's early years, from apprentice to surveyor for hire, and from publication of his groundbreaking 1815 geological strata map to imprisonment for debt.

... Chicago to continue his work as a community organizer, work as a civil rights lawyer and to teach constitutional law ... Alice Palmer decided to run for the US Congress. She offered her State Senate seat to Obama, who was just ...