An intersectional history that centers the stories of African American women across 400+ years, showing how they are--and have always been--instrumental in shaping our country. A Black Women's History of the United States reaches far beyond a single narrative to showcase Black women's lives in all their fraught complexities. Berry and Gross prioritize many voices: enslaved women, freedwomen, religious leaders, artists, queer women, activists, and women who lived outside the law. The result is a starting point for exploring Black women's history.

Introduction:Nannie's legacy and the histories of Black women -- Isabel's expedition and freedom before 1619 -- Angela's exodus out of Africa, 1619-1760 -- Belinda's petition for independence, 1760-1820 -- Millie and Christine's performance and the expansion of slavery, 1820-1860 -- Mary's apron and the demise of slavery, 1860-1876 -- Frances's sex and the dawning of the Black woman's era, 1876-1915 -- Augusta's clay, migration, and the Depression, 1915-1940 -- Alice's medals and Black women's war at home, 1940-1950 -- Aurelia's lawsuit against Jim Crow, 1950-1970 -- Shirley's run, Black power, politics, and Black feminism, 1970-2000 -- Conclusion: Patricia's climb and the sisters holding down liberty.