Title: Collective Courage: A History of African American Cooperative Economic Thought and Practice
Author: Jessica Gordon Nembhard
Publisher: Pennsylvania State University Press
Description:
“Collective Courage: A History of African American Cooperative Economic Thought and Practice” by Jessica Gordon Nembhard is a groundbreaking exploration of the rich history of African American cooperative movements. Through meticulous research and compelling storytelling, Nembhard traces the evolution of cooperative economics within African American communities from the nineteenth century to the present day. She highlights the resilience, creativity, and solidarity demonstrated by African Americans in their efforts to build cooperative enterprises as a means of economic empowerment and social justice. From mutual aid societies and credit unions to agricultural cooperatives and worker-owned businesses, Nembhard examines a wide range of cooperative endeavors, shedding light on their contributions to community development, economic self-sufficiency, and collective liberation. Drawing on insights from economics, history, and sociology, this book challenges conventional narratives of African American economic history and offers a powerful testament to the enduring legacy of cooperative principles in the struggle for economic democracy. “Collective Courage” serves as an inspiring resource for scholars, activists, and policymakers interested in understanding and advancing cooperative economic models as tools for building a more just and equitable society.