We Speak Your Names: A Celebration

by Pearl Cleage

Book Overview

For centuries, African American women have been remaking the world, giving testament to the power of hope, courage, and resilience. But it took the inspired generosity of Oprah Winfrey to honor fully... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0345490274
• ISBN13: 9780345490278
• Release Date: May 2006
• Publisher: One World
• Length: 44 Pages
• Weight: 0.35 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 5.2" x 7.1"

Customer Reviews

Simply Outstanding!!

I was so moved by this poem while watching Oprah's Legend's Ball. The words captured so much of what we as Sister's /Black Women go through and experience. I recently had a celebration at my home for some older ladies at my church and I will be purchasing a copy of this poem for each one of them. Thanks for the inspiration!!

We Speak Yur Names

In the spirit of Oprah Winfrey's Legend's Ball, We Speak Your Name is a brief compilation of African American women and their achievements. Ms. Cleage begins with a beautiful homage to women of strength and character. Reading the poem feels like a personal invitation, and the brief passages that follow are a guided tour through the amazing history of black women in this country and around the world. Ms. Cleage, in her introduction, tells us about her invitation to write, and she takes us along for the star studded ride to its glamorous conclusion. Her poem details the success, the sacrifice, the angst, and the adulation of women at the top of their field, and gives us insight on how they feel having reached that. Although she describes each legend in the short bios the follow, the passages are descriptions of these legends filtered through the lens of Ms. Cleage's profound perception, as a woman, as a griot, and as an accomplished author in her own right in awe of her sisters. A short book of less than 50 pages, this is a must have for all women. It is a perfect size to slip into a purse, as a stocking-stuffer, into a briefcase for that nerve-wracking interview, or a gift basket for a friend. However it is delivered, it is an amazing journey through history on the gentle but strong backs of those who made it. Brava! Reviewed By: Angela T. Hailey, Black Butterfly Review

legends

i was giving this book as a gift from a dear friend and was so overwhelmed with joy after reading i just had to write a review this is a book that honored so many great woman. it will leave you with the feelin that you can accomplish everything in life you ever dreamed of, this is a book for ever booklover library.

Priceless work...

I have not yet had to opportunity to read this work in print. However, I heard it as I watched Oprah's "Legends Ball" special on ABC last night. I was moved to tears. I can honestly say the this poem is one of the most beautiful that I have ever heard in my life. I have told all my female friends and relatives about it, and they all plan to purchase copies of their own. If I could give the poem more than 5 stars I would.

Oprah's Praise Poem!

This little book is priceless! Inspired by Oprah Winfrey's vision to celebrate the accomplishments of extraordinary African American women, Pearl Cleage answered the call by penning the poem that was key to Winfrey's 2005 Living Legends event. Cleage drew inspiration from the honoree's accomplishments and with a line-up that included greats like Katheryn Dunham, Cicely Tyson, Toni Morrison, Coretta Scott, King, Diana Ross, etc., it was easy to pick a muse and let her imagination flow. The poem celebrates the spirit of sisterhood, courage, and resilience that these women possess. Pearl's signature themes of freedom, courage, wisdom, and strength (which are often echoed in her novels) are also evident in the prose. She marvels at how the honorees are a beautiful, mulit-talented group of women whose impact will be felt for generations; but more importantly she thanked and recognized each and every one of them (by name) as the truly amazing women they are. A brief biography of each of the twenty-five honorees is also provided in the back of the book. The poem makes for a perfect gift to friends, sisters, mothers and is a "must have" for any woman's personal library. Bravo - this is a wonderful tribute! Reviewed by Phyllis APOOO BookClub Nubian Circle Book Club