African American History Since the Civil War (HS3892)
Dr. Ward
Ella Baker and the Black Freedom Movement review—Due Thursday, April 20
The book review essay should be five to six typed, double-spaced pages.
Spelling, grammar and style all count toward your grade, so proofread your material.
Please refer to your grading rubric for guidance on how you will be assessed. Write a
thoughtful essay on one of the following questions, making sure to use evidence from
Ella Baker to support your arguments. You should refer only to Ransby’s book for this
assignment; outside sources are neither needed nor allowed.
The book review essay is due in class on Thursday, April 20. Late papers will be
penalized at a rate of five points per day.
Answer one of the following questions:
1. Examine the role of women—Ella Baker and others—in the Black Freedom
Movement. How did one’s sex affect their role in the movement? What
difficulties did women face in the movement? Do you think that women had
different concerns then men in regards to the movement? Explain, giving
examples from the book to support you arguments.
2. Examine, in detail, Ella Baker’s relationships with other leading figures of the
Black Freedom Movement, including Martin Luther King Jr., Roy Wilkins, and
Stokely Carmichael. How did Ella Baker’s approach to change differ from other
leading figures of the Black Freedom Movement? What conflicts did Ella Baker
have with other leaders?
3. Do you think that biography is an effective medium for studying the history the
Black Freedom Movement? Explain why or why not, making sure to use
evidence from Ransby’s book do defend your answer. What do you think is the
greatest advantage of studying history through biography? What do you think is
the greatest disadvantage? Explain.