Black Women Manifesting Greatness Through Education

I thoroughly enjoyed reading Black Women Manifesting Greatness Through Education: The Detroit Anthology by Toshalyn Erve. The essays illuminated each woman's journey to gain the success they achieved. Targeting successful Black women who matriculated from the Detroit Public School System was a powerful statement about the unspoken principles, guidance, and care that has not been apparent beyond DPS's structured curriculum. Additionally, the essays deconstruct stereotypes of who Black women are, what they live through, and the silent but decisive victories they have. Toshalyn illuminates how Black women are not monolithic, which breaks through institutionalized portrayals that degrade and dehumanize Black women. The infusion of academic goals accomplished, personal circumstances endured, and guidance from significant people supported the backdrop for this anthology to show the strength through the struggles of most Black women. Each participant was honest in their perceptions of their story and wrote about the challenges as they transitioned to maturity. Each author's story was engaging and enjoyable to read. The tone and style of each story had its captivating flavor. As a womanist, I loved how the individual vignettes accentuated each writer's strength, endurance, brilliance, and tenacity. I also found the scriptures at the beginning of each story, and the probing questions at the end gave each story depth. The author invites the readers to examine and unpack the critical nuances of each story and to use the questions retrospectively as encouragement for their lives. I see this anthology as a multigenerational work for young and seasoned adults. This anthology should not be restricted based on gender or race because the experiences and thoughts behind moving through unexpected circumstances would benefit anyone. I encourage this book to be read by all, and I plan to use it as a book for my Womanist Theology Course. This book is full of education and wisdom, so I hope Toshalyn Erve will continue to write for the world. -- Rev. Dr. Constance Simon, with over 45 years in education and administration, is the Minister of Christian Education at Fellowship Chapel. Dr. Simon is also the Director of the Doctor of Ministry Program at the Ecumenical Theological Seminary. She is an Assistant Professor, teaching Womanist Theology, Christian Education, Worship and African American Religion. She served on the Board of Directors for the Michigan Conference and was the former Associate Conference Minister for the Detroit Metropolitan Association, United Church of Christ. She holds multiple degrees, including two master's degrees and two earned Doctorates: one in Administration and Supervision and the other in African-Centered Religious Thought. She is an active member of the Detroit Public Television's advisory group on the Black Church in Detroit. She has been featured on several of the Detroit Public Television series on American Black Journal. She is an ordained minister, and she teaches two weekly Bible studies and produces a Sunday School stream. Dr. Simon keeps a focus on education as a liberating force for all people.