A collection of profiles of 35 little-known heroes and heroines of American history, who spoke for racial and social justice, women's rights, safe working conditions, and freedom of conscience and religion. Each profile integrates the individual life with an explanation of the historical context.

These 35 little known heroes and heroines of American history from across the ethnic spectrum have been virtually ignored in traditional history books. Their inspiring, biographical profiles reveal the struggle, in the face of entrenched opposition, for a just, equitable, and humane society. They spoke for racial and social justice, women's rights, safe working conditions, and freedom of conscience and religion. More than half of the profiles are of women, one fourth are of African-Americans, and Native Americans, Asian Americans, Latino and Chicano Americans are also represented. Each profile integrates the individual life with a detailed explanation of the historical context, and each entry provides excerpts from primary sources--speeches, writings, and interviews--and is followed by broad bibliographical references. An alternative perspective on American history for students is offered in this work. The 35 men and women profiled here all defied the social and moral conventions of their times, frequently facing opposition and condemnation. Their voices were often stilled, muted, or lost, but their ethically grounded courage, their clarity of vision, and their willingness to stand up to injustice provide role models for Americans of all ages. One third of these people cannot be found in standard biographical references and others have never before been the focus of biographical sketches. Subject lists by chronology, gender, ethnicity, and focus of the biographee's concern will enable the student to select an appropriate subject for investigation and reports.

William Apess
Sara Josephine Baker
Smedley Butler
George Washington Cable
Tunis Campbell
Luisa Capetillo
Edward Coles
Anna Julia Cooper
Angie Debo
John Lovejoy Elliott
Elizabeth Freeman
Laura Haviland
Thomas Hazard
Lugenia Hope
Myles Horton
Jovita Idar
Florence Kelley
Thomas Kennedy
Susette La Flesche
Lucy Laney
Benjamin Lay
Belva Lockwood
Seth Luther
Vito Marcantonio
Tanya Nash
Mary Ovington
Jeannette Rankin
John Rock
Ernestine Rose
Rose Schneiderman
Tye Leung Schulze
David Walker
George White
Carola Woerishoffer
Minoru Yasui.