Through the Eyes of this Black Woman: Continuing to Rise

The Biblical Epistles of The Apostle Paul depicts the attempt of the Jews to disparage the spiritual and societal experiences of the Gentiles. Dr. Portis provides a current parallel view of Paul's characterizations of these issues through her description of the White supremacy ideology's historical attempts to disparage equality and equity for Black Americans. Through The Eyes of This Black Woman is a critical work which authenticates the struggles and sacrifices of a people shortly removed from slavery but never from oppression and humiliation. This book providing an undeniable narrative contrary to the view of a segment of Americans, and legislators especially, who desire to unwrite history, expunge the rules, redefine the issues, and deface a proud people who triumph through adversity. Despite the odious attempt of Systemic Racism to circumvent the progress of Black people Dr. Portis coveys that they are continuing to rise. This book is a worthwhile read in every local, state, and national legislative body and in every seminary.

-Dr. Ralph W. Canty, 9th President of The Progressive Baptist Convention, USA Former Legislator in the State of South Carolina House of Representatives

With both passion and accuracy, this book summarily chronicles historical and current context for the seemingly intentional economic disparities against Black communities. Staying true to its theme of the Relay to Freedom and Liberty, this manuscript is replete with examples of Black business success throughout the history of our nation despite the systemic societal odds against Black achievement and the backdrop of reactionary - at times, violent - backlash against Black economic progress. Dr. Portis notes the socioeconomic roles of gerrymandering, redlining, and recurring voter suppression in stymieing economic advancement for Black people, and exposes much, much more. In correctly identifying the Black community's intergenerational lack of access to either equitable economic opportunity or financial literacy, I am reminded that even for years after Dr. Portis completed secondary education in the segregated schools of her hometown, the curriculum in all-White Edmunds High School included a required course in financial literacy while the all Black Lincoln High School had no such course at all. Through The Eyes of This Black Woman provides a compelling and engaging exposition that aligns well with numerous widely known data-driven analyses of racial economic disparities. This book should be a must read for economics students and policymakers alike.

-Lucy J. Reuben, PhD, Managing Director Strategic Keys to Educational & Economic Advancement Durham, NC 27707 Board of Trustees Chair, Morris College, Sumter, South Carolina