A true, powerful, and compelling story of the trials and triumphs in overcoming racism and sexism in America. The book vividly recounts the journey of an African-American woman from rural, segregated Mississippi through academia, corporate America, and politics. It is the story of how she triumphed even when, more often than not, the ugly realities of racism and sexism tried to deter her.

This book also tells the broader story of how her life epitomizes what the Civil Rights Act and Equal Rights Amendment have meant and have not meant for blacks and women, as she has lived through their maturation during the last 50 years.

What better time than now to examine how these two seminal and defining events played out in the life of an ordinary African-American woman who believed in all of America's promises? What better moment than today to look deeply at the life of a woman who prepared herself and worked tirelessly to achieve her goals, only to realize that many lay beyond her reach and that of most women and most blacks.

From Liberty to Magnolia shows listeners, especially aspiring women and minorities—with whom her story will have special resonance—how to navigate and ultimately embrace the challenges at every major crossroads and be triumphant.

A discussion guide is included for book clubs, classes, and group forums.