Recognizing and Honoring Author Paula J. Giddings.

WHEREAS

, Paula J. Giddings was born on November 16, 1947 in Yonkers, New York and is the daughter of Curtis G. Giddings, a guidance counselor and teacher, and Virginia Giddings, a guidance counselor; and

WHEREAS

, Ms. Giddings made her name and reputation by carrying out a needed and formidable task, recovering the lost voices of silent generations of African American women and her two most noted and renowned works in restoring and understanding the perspective of African American women are

When and Where I Enter: The Impact of Black Women on Race and Sex in America

and

In Search of Sisterhood: Delta Sigma Theta and the Challenge of the Black Sorority Movement

; and

WHEREAS

, Her latest book is entitled

IDA: A Sword Among Lions,

which is the long-awaited and meticulously researched biography of Ida B. Wells-Barnett, a former slave who became an outspoken journalist, anti-lynching crusader, and pivotal leader in the women’s suffrage movement in America; and

WHEREAS

, This book has been heralded by the

Wall Street Journal, O Magazine,

and

Essence Magazine

and various authors including Maya Angelou and Toni Morrison have praised this work by stating “

A Sword Among Lions

is more than brilliant; it is necessary. I can’t think of a biography that throws more light on the history of gender, race, and class discord in the United States. Six decades of Ida B. Wells’ life constitute a riveting, definitive narrative on a dark and bruising history. In Paula Giddings, this vibrant woman has found a biographer equal to her prowess”; and

WHEREAS,

Ms. Giddings, a graduate of Howard University and a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated and various distinguished professional organizations, is the Elizabeth A. Woodson Professor in Afro-American Studies at Smith College and has received numerous awards including the Ford Foundation Grant, Candace Award from the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Howard University Alumni Award, Building Brick Award from the New York Urban League, and an honorary doctorate in humane letters from Bennett College; now, therefore be it

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA

, That we hereby recognize and honor author Paula J. Giddings.

FURTHER RESOLVED,

That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Professor Giddings as an expression of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body.

End