This resource book provides information and activity sheets on the achievements and contributions of exceptional African American women, past and present. The book contains six sections, thematically organized around the central issue(s) affecting the lives of the women featured. Introductory questions, biographical portraits and skill-building activities for grades 4-8 are included for each individual. "They Spoke from Their Hearts" profiles Toni Morrison, Edith Simpson, Dr. Sarah Garland Jones, Dr. Clarice Reid, Mahalia Jackson, and Katherine Dunham. "They Let Nothing Stand in Their Way" examines the contributions of Bessie Coleman, Mary Fields, Phillis Wheatley, Norma Merrick Sklarek, and Cheryl Miller. "They Broke New Ground" focuses on Ella Fitzgerald, Zora Neale Hurston, Judith Jamison, Lena Horne, and Susan Taylor. "They Did Not Bow to Fear" highlights the work of Tina Turner, Clara Brown, Fannie Lou Hamer, Unita Blackwell, and Yolanda King. "They Stood Up for Other People" chronicles the work of Ida B. Wells, Daisy Bates, Mary Elizabeth Bowser, Charlotte Forten Grinke, Mother Clara Hale, and Ruby Dee. "They Inspired Others to Believe in Themselves" explores the work of Cicely Tyson, Lorraine Hansberry, Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Naomi Sims, Sarah Delany, Dr. Elizabeth Delany, Diana Ross, and Dr. Barbara Lee-Ross. (EH)