Humanities

Harriet Tubman was born into slavery, escaped, and became a leading abolitionist and activist before, during and after the Civil War. “Before She Was Harriet” is a concise illustration of her life journey. Starting from the viewpoint of her advanced years, and then following her life in reflection, this story documents her recurring actions to free her family and others from slavery, her service in the Union Forces, and her voice in the abolitionist and suffragist movement.

A story depicting the history and fight to end segregation, as experienced by the Mendez family. This story illustrates the blatant inequity, cruelty and forced hierarchy that dictated educational, professional and social opportunities for anyone not considered “White”. The Mendez family took action, organized and helped to end school segregation in California almost 10 years before Brown vs. Board of Education.

A picture book by Bettye Stroud, with illustrations from Erin Susanne Bennett – portrays the life of a young girl born into slavery, who escapes to Canada with her father, using quilting patterns for communication along the underground railroad.