Review of The Three Mothers

Review of The Three Mothers: How the Mothers of Martin Luther King, Jr., Malcom X, and James Baldwin Shaped a Nation

Anna Malaika Tubbs has written a very timely book that looks at the direct influence of Alberta King, Louise Little, and Berdis Baldwin on their famous sons. Each of these famous sons chose a different path to struggle against racism in America. By tracing the history of each mother, the events that directly affected them, and their own reactions, beliefs, and struggle against racism and racial violence, one can predict and understand the path of each son. According to Tubbs, Alberta passed down the importance of social justice, Louise passed down the importance of self-sufficiency, and Berdis passed down the importance of love and acceptance for all. All three made decisions based on their Christian faith. The book is also a history and celebration of black motherhood and its importance in the struggle against racism. It allows us to look at racism through a new perspective that has been largely invisible until recent times. In a time where black women and mothers are finally being recognized for their contributions to the struggle for equality, this is an important book.