From Slave Cabins to the White House: Homemade Citizenship in African American Culture

Exploring the complex relationship between black women's roles in the home and their citizenship, the author examines how these women have historically navigated stereotypes while striving for respectability. By analyzing literary works from notable African American authors, the book highlights the persistent challenges faced by black women, from the slave era to contemporary times, as they embody various domestic identities. The narrative reveals the tension between traditional domesticity and societal marginalization, illustrating how home life has been both a refuge and a battleground for asserting dignity and rights.