“A fascinating, deeply researched biography of a key figure in black South African politics—a wonderful addition to our understanding of the early history of the South African Communist Party. The chapters on Josie Mpama’s family history are particularly illuminating on the complexities of ‘race’ in South African society.”
Iris Berger, author of Women in Twentieth-Century Africa
“Robert R. Edgar presents the remarkable life story of little-known South African activist Josie Mpama/Palmer in this fascinating biography.”
Peter Alegi, author of African Soccerscapes
“Would make a wonderful supplemental text to courses in resistance politics, Black internationalism, and gendered activism, and students at both the undergraduate and graduate level will appreciate its readability.”
Holly Y. McGee, H-Net / H-Africa
While African National Congress narratives dominate much of the scholarship on South Africa’s freedom struggle, Josie Mpama/Palmer’s political life offers a different perspective. Highly critical of the patriarchal attitudes that hindered black women from actively participating in politics, Mpama/Palmer was an outspoken advocate for women’s social equality and encouraged black women to become more involved in national conversations. The first black woman to join the Communist Party of South Africa and an antiapartheid activist, Josie Mpama/Palmer remained involved in critical issues all her life, especially protests against Bantu Education and other forms of racial and sexist discrimination. She was an integral figure in establishing the Federation of South African Women, an organization open to women of all races. Mpama/Palmer’s activism and political legacy would become an inspiring example for women in South Africa and around the world to get up and get moving.
Robert R. Edgar is professor of African studies at Howard University and the editor of An African American in South Africa: The Travel Notes of Ralph J. Bunche, also available from Ohio University Press. More info →
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