Trailblazer by Dorothy Butler Gilliam

Synopsis: Personal account of the first black female journalist at the Washington Post.

Pacing: Measured.

Writing: Textbook. Traditional. Indulgent.

Personal Highlights: What I respect about ‘Trailblazer’ is the overall sentiment. Initially, though the opening charmed me, I wasn’t sure if I could follow along to the end. The content is that rich. Ms. Gilliam has seen a lot… (going to work for the Washington Post (as a reporter), initially the only black female amongst a sea of men, almost all white, in a time when logistics that served white citizens (restaurants, hotels, cabs, etc.) did not accommodate people of color. Surmounting those adversities was a feat all to its own; almost small potatoes compared to the many stories she’s reported on, and luminaries she’s networked with over her decades’ long career. 

Ms. Gilliam hails from humble beginnings during a demanding era. She’s “not a yeller and a screamer” but “loved being a ‘star performer’” focused on bringing ‘black female sensibilities on events and stories to a broader audience.’ So loved that part. 

Other memorable parts; the inclusion of her sister who used to sew— ‘Wanamaker’s style and quality’ clothes I’m sure. I recalled relatives of my own with this skill. I noted how much of her focus was centered around the Nation’s Capital. I mention this because culture, and even racial attitudes and experiences varies from state to state. Must admit however, I liked to have fallen over (LOL) reading about ‘the sigh’. Every black person who’s ever been the only black person in a room knows that sigh…(…when race comes up and all heads swing ‘your way’). 

The incorporation of IJE (and Ms. Gilliam’s involvement) caught my attention as well, in addition to the many ‘other’ star performers she’s met; Winston Churchill… Alex Haley….Sterling Brown… working with Maury Povich ...interviewing Ayatollah Khomeini…writing Paul Robeson’s biography! Her association with Woodson (the man who not only started negro history week (currently Black History Month) …but challenged students to think critically) had to be a favorite. That quote (how the ‘mis-educated, mis-educates others’) is particularly relevant in relation to the overall premise of ‘Trailblazer’. It seemed to be why (for example) it wasn’t known (during the Regan era) “there were so many Archie Bunkers.” It’s also why (I like to think) I got that offhand “go slow” quip.  Ms. Gilliam wanted to ‘get it right’, hoping to humble a 400-year old (plus) dogmatic ignorance crippling an otherwise logical system by reporting on and bringing ‘black female sensibilities on events and stories to broader audiences’. It was a job well done. Thank you, Ms. Gilliam. Highly recommended!