In her upcoming book “We the Women: The Hidden Heroes Who Shaped America,” slated for release on February 24 by Ballantine Books, CBS News anchor Norah O’Donnell, alongside co-author Kate Andersen Brower, shines a light on the significant but often unnoticed contributions of women to American history. The book uncovers the stories of “hidden heroines” who have championed freedom and equality, navigating arenas from the courtroom to combat zones, and from the halls of legislative power to the forefront of social movements.
The narrative begins with a poignant recounting of an extraordinary event that took place during America’s centennial on July 4, 1876. While thousands gathered in Philadelphia to celebrate the nation’s 100th birthday, a determined group of suffragists, including notable figures like Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony, made their presence felt after being denied participation in the centennial festivities. They stormed the stage to present their own manifesto, “Declaration of Rights of the Women of the United States,” boldly asserting that women were equally entitled to the rights elaborated in the Declaration of Independence.
The women’s declaration served as a powerful counter-narrative to the celebratory proceedings, drawing attention to the glaring injustice that half of the population were still without the right to vote or even basic legal protections. This act of defiance, which garnered significant attention from the crowd, signaled the beginning of a more concerted effort toward achieving women’s suffrage, culminating in the passage of the 19th Amendment more than four decades later.
Throughout her work, O’Donnell expresses her frustration at how these critical moments and figures in women’s history have been largely overlooked in traditional American narratives. The book seeks to reclaim these stories, answering the question of why contributions by women have not received the recognition they deserve. By highlighting the achievements of trailblazing women such as Mary Katherine Goddard—who is the only woman whose name appears on the Declaration of Independence—and Belva Lockwood, the first woman to argue before the U.S. Supreme Court, O’Donnell effectively illustrates the enduring impact women have had on the evolution of American rights and freedoms.
Moreover, O’Donnell reflects on how her own understanding of self and empowerment as a journalist has been shaped by the stories of these remarkable women. The book stresses the importance of remembering and sharing these narratives, as they embody a continuous fight for equality and justice that resonates with current generations.
“We the Women” not only honors the courageous women who have fought for civil rights but serves as a call to action for future generations to acknowledge and build upon their legacy. O’Donnell’s work conveys a hopeful perspective, underlining that the struggle for a more equitable society is ongoing, and that the contributions of women are integral to the fabric of American history. The stories narrated within the book highlight that while history may be long, there remains an ongoing journey towards a more just and inclusive union.
Fans of women’s history and advocates for equality will find this an inspiring read, as it emphasizes that every individual plays a role in shaping the arc of history and bending it toward justice.