I am a fan of black history, whether it's fiction or non fiction, sometimes more so non fiction because its so informative. This book tells the story of two people, Zoharah (who was born Gwendolyn) and Michael. Their separative upbringings, the way the met, their eventual marriage, and raising of a family and eventual separation and their individual and collective works to advance the cause for the civil rights movement. This was such a great and informative read.

I think this book by Dan Burger has had the same affect on me that the history of Tuskegee university in Alabama and Lionel Richie’s biography did. You might wonder why a book about to people who were so selfless in their life and giving everything to a movement I believe then heart and soul would affect me the same way a town in I think this book by Dan Burger has had the same affect on me that the history of Tuskegee university in Alabama and Lionel Richie’s biography did. You might wonder why a book about to people who were so selfless in their life and giving everything to a movement I believe then heart and soul would affect me the same way a town in Alabama and a rock singers biography could but in all three books it’s a story about people being and becoming the potential to be sore for the self and not the status quo that are both expected. Tuskegee is rich an African American thinkers philosophers it created a whole community that supported each other and that is how I see this book is similar. This book is about Zara and in Michael Simmons. She grew up in Tennessee and he grew up in Philadelphia two totally different environment with different influences he grew up hearing about Islam and she was raised by her grandmother who taught her to do the right thing but be smart about it. This is not only a book about two people who made their parents and families proud but their people in the nation. I love hearing stories like this unlock the way Dan burger told the story because a lot of people write books about racial issues and definitely want you to know where they staying then Burger tells the fax and the reasons you should support and be proud of people like the Simmonds because anyone doing the right thing cannot be wrong. it’s one thing for people today to achieve what this couple achieved separately and together but to do it at a time when the KKK and Jim Crow rule the day is even more open achievement. I loved Zara‘s sassy grandmother and her responses to the white men who called her auntie and it made me sad to hear the story about her grandmother who was treated so terribly I don’t even want to repeat what was said in the book that just turns my stomach in the thing someone hit the lip through that is horrible but either way he’s a story that should be told and I’m glad that burger told them if you love American history, African-American history or just plain history you need to read state on freedom by Dan Berger it is a book I highly recommend. I received this book from NetGalley and the publisher but I am leaving this review voluntarily please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review Alabama and a rock singers biography could but in all three books it’s a story about people being and becoming the potential to be sore for the self and not the status quo that are both expected. Tuskegee is rich an African American thinkers philosophers it created a whole community that supported each other and that is how I see this book is similar. This book is about Zara and in Michael Simmons. She grew up in Tennessee and he grew up in Philadelphia two totally different environment with different influences he grew up hearing about Islam and she was raised by her grandmother who taught her to do the right thing but be smart about it. This is not only a book about two people who made their parents and families proud but their people in the nation. I love hearing stories like this unlock the way Dan burger told the story because a lot of people write books about racial issues and definitely want you to know where they staying then Burger tells the fax and the reasons you should support and be proud of people like the Simmonds because anyone doing the right thing cannot be wrong.

This book is a family tree in the way of Haley's "Roots." We follow two family lines which combine into a love story--and not just a love story of romantic love. It is a love of people, of self determination, of the family and community they created. I

It does at times, feel a little long, but it is overall worth the time to closely read and analyze. I would see this doing well in group discussions, rather than a solo reading.

I love history books that are based on personal testimonies, that is why I asked for this book. The author, a historian himself, has conducted several interviews in order to write the story of Zoharah Simmons and Michael Simmons, two Black Power activists who dedicated their lives to help others and fight for freedom. It's a really interesting insight, and a must read for anyone interested in this subject.