Freedom's Daughters: How a Generation of Black Women Resisted Oppression Through Literacy and Education

A stirring contribution to America's historical narrative."--Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

From bestselling author Celeste Headlee, an urgent and eye-opening story of the women who risked everything to ensure a generation of Black Americans had the right to read.

In the waning days of the antebellum South, millions of African Americans were suddenly released from enslavement. But they soon realized that "freedom" was not free; they were subject to hundreds of laws aimed at preventing them from voting and, in many cases, learning. Were it not for the work of an exceptional group of women--activists, educators, mothers, organizers--the foundations for Black education might never have been laid.

With Freedom's Daughters, Headlee set out to write into the record book the untold stories of these remarkable women. As a journalist who spent her career in public media, Headlee has long championed unheard voices and sought to tell the stories of those whose contributions have gone unacknowledged. But this project was fueled by an even deeper connection: Carrie Still Shepperson--one of the most important figures in this fight--is Headlee's great grandmother and one of the biggest influences in her life.

Now, after a decade of research spanning personal diaries to public records, Freedom's Daughters paints a vivid portrait of figures intentionally erased from history, recognizing the work of a generation of Black women who believed freedom was inextricably linked with learning and free expression, and who worked tirelessly to secure access to literacy and education for a generation of children born into freedom.

By turns shocking, inspiring, and deeply moving, Freedom's Daughters is Headlee's impeccably researched journey to better understand her family history and herself, and a timely examination of the influence and power of unfettered access to schools, libraries, and higher education.

Author: Celeste Headlee
Publisher: Flatiron Books
Published: 10/06/2026
Pages: 320
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 1.10lbs
Size: 9.30h x 6.20w x 1.30d
ISBN: 9781250340412


Review Citation(s):
Kirkus Reviews 08/15/2026
Booklist 09/01/2026

About the Author
Celeste Headlee is an award-winning journalist, professional speaker and the author of Speaking of Race, We Need To Talk, and Do Nothing. She is a regular guest host on NPR and American Public Media and a highly sought consultant. Her TEDx Talk sharing ten ways to have a better conversation has over twenty-three million total views. Headlee is the recipient of the 2019 Media Changemaker Award. She is the proud granddaughter of composer William Grant Still, the Dean of African American Composers.