Ladonna Harris: A Commanche Life

By LaDonna Harris

Book Overview

This book is the unforgettable story of a Comanche woman who has become one of the most influential, inspired, and determined Native Americans in politics. LaDonna Harris was born on a Comanche allotment in southern Oklahoma in the 1930s. From her earliest years, she was immersed in a world of resistance, reform, and political action. As the wife of Senator Fred R. Harris, LaDonna was actively involved in political advising, campaigning, and networking. Not content to remain in the background, LaDonna became a well-known political figure in her own right, serving on the National Indian Opportunities Council as President Lyndon B. Johnson's appointee and working beside such notable political figures as Hubert Humphrey, Robert Kennedy, and Sargent Shriver. In 1980 she became the vice-presidential nominee for the environmentalist Citizen's Party. Her story provides a witty and valuable American Indian insider's view of modern national political scenes.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 080322396X
• ISBN13: 9780803223967
• Release Date: February 2000
• Publisher: University of Nebraska Press
• Length: 160 Pages
• Weight: 0.81 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 6.3" x 8.3"

Customer Reviews

Fascinating Woman; Easy read

Great information in preparation for meeting this completely fascinating woman. A great look into the soul and work of a true warrior; very inspirational.

LaDonna Harris - a Comanche and Global Citizen!

LaDonna Harris: A Comanche Life - proves to be an extraordinary quasi-autobiographical story - in many respects, this book pays tribute to the time-honored oral traditions of Native people. Harris works with Stockel and shares her story in a compassionate and compelling manner. She amply demonstrates that you can become a global citizen by using your tribal values as a compass on the the local, national and international frontiers. This book documents her Comanche up-bringing and pays tribute to those values that prove to be essential to her life's triumphs.Harris has proven herself in many sectors, though Stockel focuses primarily on her role in Indian Country, so the reader doesn't get to fully appreciate the impact she has had on the women's, environmental and third party political movements in America.This is a compelling story that celebrates a life that touched several generations and societies. I strongly recommend this book, for it tells a story of an extraordinary life!

A good book well worth picking up.

The content of this book reflects an important time in the history of the United States. "LaDonna Harris, A Comanche Life" discusses issues ranging from racism to the evolution of women through their emerging role in politics during the 1950's and 60's. LaDonna lends the reader an account of her involvement on paramount issues during a tumultuous time of change in American culture. As I read this book, I thought about Jonathan Kozol's book entitled "Savage Inequalities" only to contemplate the question, "Are minorities really better off now?"As a university professor of multicultual education, I will definitely add "LaDonna Harris, A Comanche Life" to my book list for students to read.