Standing Up Against Hate: How Black Women in the Army Helped Change the Course of WWII
Mary Farrell
Standing Up Against Hate tells the stories of the African American women who enlisted in the newly formed Women's Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC) in World War II. They quickly discovered that they faced as many obstacles in the armed forces as they did in everyday life. However, they refused to back down. They interrupted careers and left family, friends, and loved ones to venture into unknown and sometimes dangerous territory. They survived racial prejudice and discrimination with dignity, succeeded in jobs women had never worked before, and made crucial contributions to the military war effort. The book centers around Charity Adams, who commanded the only black WAAC battalion sent overseas and became the highest ranking African American woman in the military by the end of the war. Along with Adams's story are those of other black women who played a crucial role in integrating the armed forces. Their tales are both inspiring and heart-wrenching. The book includes a timeline, bibliography, and index.
Mary C. Farrell is an award-winning journalist and children's book writer. Her books have been named Notable Social Studies Book for Young People, SPUR Award for Best Juvenile Fiction about the American West, Bank Street College List of Best Children's Books, and NY Public Library Best Books for Teens. Her journalistic work has also received numerous awards for excellence from the Society of Professional Journalists and two Emmy nominations. Mary frequently speaks at schools, libraries, conferences, and women's and family workshops. She lives in Spokane, Washington. Major General Marcia M. Anderson's military career included many "firsts" from the time she was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant, until she retired in 2016 after 36 years of service. In 2010, General Anderson became the first African American Brigadier General to serve as the Deputy Commanding General of the Army's Human Resources Command. She served in that capacity until she was selected as the first African American female Major General in the Army, Army Reserve, or Active Army, and her subsequent assignment as the Deputy Chief, Army Reserve in 2011. She has several military awards, including the Army Distinguished Service Medal as well as the Parachutists Badge.