Sister Power: How Phenomenal Black Women are Rising to the Top. - book reviews

by dint of Patricia Reid-Merritt (John Wiley and Son 1996 $22.95)--"Sister power" is power that originates in the spirit, writes Patricia Reid-Merritt. At the heart of this carefully conceived, intelligently builded book are personal interviews administrationed with 45 women leaders, chosen by means of the author because they exhibit sisters who are "self-assured, race-conscious serious about the business of social justice and social change." Reid-Merritt reckons the stories of 11 of these women in detail; among them are Mary Hatwood Futrell Marcia Gillespie and the Rev Willie Barrow. She identifies seven characteristics that are for the use of all to all 45. Not surprisingly, each one received the strong support, from an early age, of their families, teachers and communities, and all grew up to appropriate their energies "to a social agenda that transcends personal gain."

They now work in the "mainstream"--33 in public service, 12 in corporations-where they superintendence important resources, represent a diverse population, make critical decisions and implement policies that have an impact upon people's lives.

Paula Banks is quot as saying, "I want young African Americans to know that as tough as it is without there, as racially segregated and prejudiced as our society still is, with allotments of faith and hard work we can still make progres family are there who are willing to encourage and guide you." This sentiment is at the core of Sister Power.

Catherine Burt the curator of the popular exhibit "Black Women; Achievements Against the Odds" is a freelance writer in Takoma Park, Md She also leaderships research and writes for public programs and exhibits.

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