Pride of Family: Four Generations of American Women of Color

From the moment I read the words [my great-grandmother] Frances Anne Rollin wrote in Boston on January 1, 1868 - "The year renews its birth today with all its hopes and sorrows"—she became my beacon, the foremother who would finally share with me our collective .

Originally published to rave reviews, Pride of Family is the dazzling true story of an upper middle-class African American clan—and four generations of extraordinary women. Carole Ione, rebel daughter from a long line of rebel daughters, traces her heritage from her mother, Leighla, a sad and lovely journalist, actress, and composer; to glamorous grandmother Be-be, the popular restauranteur and former show. girl; to upright great-aunt Sistonie, one of Washington's first black female physicians; and, finally, to great-grandmother Frances Anne Rollin, the indomitable feminist-abolitionist.

It is through her great-grandmother's brilliant diaries that Ione finds enlightenment—a deep connection to the women cherishes and the proud, glorious history they share.