Stagecoach Mary and the Nature of the Pioneering Spirit. A book review of The Thread of Gold, A Celebration of Black Womanhood, by Catherine Joy White

Send us Fan Mail I feel hopelessly ill-equipped to address the ambitious goal the young author sets herself in this book. However, the writing engaged me with its combination of personal experiences of its author as an actor, gender expert for the United Nations, and highly promising wordsmith.[Other more informed comments welcome. TR] The book explores the nature of pioneering figures of black inspirational figures from Alice Walker to Beyoncé, from Aretha Franklin to Doreen Lawrence. In addition it is a memoir of her own experiences and how her exemplars have served as inspirations for her own impressive life journey, The Thread of Gold in the title is a literary metaphor of the transference of experiences by pioneering women down the ages to their successors. I take one example among many, the the biographic portrayal of Stagecoach Mary, a fascinating figure brought vividly to life. The story opens up more than a tale of a colourful character. Framing it as the book does, we are able to see afresh insights into the nature of pioneering leaders, and the life-enhancing nature of creativity. Mary Fields, aka Stagecoach Mary is an example of ‘those who travel solo, the very nature of their unique existence or presentation forcing them to go it alone’.... Stay up-to-date with all of Tudor's podcasts, blogs and current affairs commentary by signing up to our newsletter! Email [email protected] to sign up! Follow Tudor on Twitter @Tudortweet Follow Tudor's blogs: everydaycreativity.uk leaderswedeserve.wordpress.com