Kenja McCray’s Essential Soldiers is an academic look at many of the Pan-African nationalist groups of the 1970s through the lens of the work of the women in the group. The work is an addition to the more male-focused looks at the organizations by other academics. It discusses how the women’s “kazi” influenced and shaped the organizations.

While the women were active in many aspects of the organizations, they were often kept from leadership positions due to patriarchal practices of the organizations. Essential Soldiers provides a look at how the women resisted and changed restrictive gender roles

Despite being very academic in its focus and writings, Essential Soldiers is still an interesting read and an excellent look at the women of the organizations.

A detailed and brilliantly researched book highlighting the women who played pivotal roles in the Black Power movement.

The book reframes the narrative and brings these women to the forefront, highlighting their type of leadership and community they brought to the movement.

A great and accessible read to a part of history I am unfamiliar with.