Beyond Respectability: The Intellectual Thought of Race Women - Women, Gender & Sexuality in American History | Scholarly Book for Academic Research, Gender Studies & American History Courses

Cooper, B. C. (2017). Beyond Respectability: The Intellectual Thought Race of Women. Urbana, IL: University of Illinois Press.This book is well worth reading. Cooper uses transdisciplinarity to allow the reader to realize the many places Black women have left their mark and can continue to be of assistance. This book gives a clear view into the past, the present and the future. Cooper examines some of the many perils Black people have had to encounter as well as some solutions that have been found to help dissipate them.Beyond Respectability thoroughly examines different women of intellect along with some of their claims and contributions. With the help of these academics Cooper’s book analyzes the way society over emphasizes the sentiment of Black women. Cooper also touched upon the expression Jane Crow, (which is a term one of the scholars she chose to examine coined) and how it came about. Many other issues were also presented including but not limited to race, gender, political and identity issues. Cooper allows the reader to realize the different directions opposition came from for these women and other women of African descent that are scholarly.This book purposefully brings many things to the table without making it seem like it is everything to be had. Cooper carefully maps out her intentions for each chapter. This book leaves the reader asking the question, what else has remained hidden in America. Beyond Respectability opens up the appetite for knowledge? Cooper’s work is very important because she takes the time to research those who have been forgotten or have not received acknowledgment for the contributions they’ve made to make America a better place. The problems were presented however they were not dwelt on. I am grateful that Cooper took the time to integrate herself into the discourse. This book is a must read for anyone seeking to learn more about the hidden parts of American history. Bravo! – Zee Morrison