this started out as 5 stars for me, and if it had stayed focused on the women (girls, sometimes!) and their accomplishments i think it would have remained around there. there was a lot of extra stuff that didn't feel important to me, and so much talk of god that it was really a turnoff. it was okay that the first woman discussed had a lot to say about god but then everyone else did, too, and even the interspersed commentary by the author had a religious bent, also. (really? the word testify doesn't mean anything to you outside of a church setting?)

these changemakers are ah-may-zing. full stop. it's incredible what they have accomplished and the vision and talent that they have. it truly is inspiring and makes me think that there is a chance for this world. i wish the book had just focused solely on the work they've done, rather than talking so much about the kind of leader they are and the way god brought them to the work.

things i noted: how is it not more common knowledge (maybe it is outside of white communities?) that martin luther king's famous i have a dream speech was actually inspired by prathia hall's i have a dream speech a handful of years before??

"Maybe we'll be less surprised by black girls brilliance as we become more aware of how it surrounds us all the time. The future toward which we look will be led by black women and girls."

"'Even as marginalized as I am, as a black queer woman, I still use my privilege to step up, and step back for others,' she explains. 'Almost everyone on this planet has a position of privilege in some way. Knowing how to use that to the advantage of people that don't have that same privilege is one of the most important things I've ever had to learn in life.' -- Tyah-Amoy Roberts" ( )