Our Brave Foremothers

Featuring women of color changemakers, risk-takers, and visionaries, artists, scientists, activists, and more, Our Brave Foremothers is a rich collection of short biographies detailing the women's accomplishments, hardships, passions, and joys. Included alongside the stories are inspirational quotes from the women, beautifully detailed artwork by illustrator Joelle Avelino, and actionable prompts that encourage readers to impact the world around them in positive ways as a tribute to the foremothers in the book and their own.

“"An essential book that connects us to our past and current sisters and reminds us that each of our stories matters." -- Ruth Chan , illustrator and author "A long overdue portrayal of inspiring hidden figures whose stories needed to be told to the world." -- Rokhaya Diallo , journalist, writer, and award-winning filmmaker " Our Brave Foremothers sheds truth on old perceptions and gives us stories both informative and inspiring about women who paved the way for generations of women to follow." -- Audrey Edwards , former executive editor of Essence magazine and author of American Runaway: Black and Free in Paris in the Trump Years " Our Brave Foremothers is the book that every family should have on their coffee table. It's a visual encyclopedia of greatness for our future generation to know about the work done by these important women." -- Joy Cho , author and founder of Oh Joy!”

“An essential book that connects us to our past and current sisters and reminds us that each of our stories matters.” —Ruth Chan, illustrator and author

“A long overdue portrayal of inspiring hidden figures whose stories needed to be told to the world.” —Rokhaya Diallo, journalist, writer, and award-winning filmmaker

“Our Brave Foremothers sheds truth on old perceptions and gives us stories both informative and inspiring about women who paved the way for generations of women to follow.” —Audrey Edwards, former executive editor of Essence magazine and author of American Runaway: Black and Free in Paris in the Trump Years

“Our Brave Foremothers is the book that every family should have on their coffee table. It’s a visual encyclopedia of greatness for our future generation to know about the work done by these important women.” —Joy Cho, author and founder of Oh Joy!
"Kennedy compiles short, eminently readable biographies of one-hundred Black, Brown, Asian, and Indigenous women in this interactive book…Activists, artists, athletes, and scientists all receive long overdue recognition in this attractive volume that is well-suited for public library and circulating reference collections. This engaging illustrated volume is well-suited to young scholars.” —Booklist

“At a time when women’s history is being lifted up, this accessible work will edify casual and academic readers and may be used as a reference for some.” —Library Journal

“An essential book that connects us to our past and current sisters and reminds us that each of our stories matters.” —Ruth Chan, illustrator and author

“A long overdue portrayal of inspiring hidden figures whose stories needed to be told to the world.” —Rokhaya Diallo, journalist, writer, and award-winning filmmaker

“Our Brave Foremothers sheds truth on old perceptions and gives us stories both informative and inspiring about women who paved the way for generations of women to follow.” —Audrey Edwards, former executive editor of Essence magazine and author of American Runaway: Black and Free in Paris in the Trump Years

“Our Brave Foremothers is the book that every family should have on their coffee table. It’s a visual encyclopedia of greatness for our future generation to know about the work done by these important women.” —Joy Cho, author and founder of Oh Joy!

Rozella Kennedy has dedicated her work and life to uplifting issues of culture, belonging, authentic allyship, and intercultural celebration and solidarity. She is the creator of the Brave Sis Project and the Director of Impact and Equity for the global consulting firm Camber Collective. A native New Yorker, she now lives on the West Coast with her husband and their Caribbean Potcake dog, Pippa.

Joelle Avelino is an Angolan and Congolese illustrator. She has illustrated several titles including Hey You!, a 2022 British Book Awards winner. Her animation project with the Malala Fund was featured as one of Design Week's favorite International Women's Day projects of 2020.

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