The Small and the Mighty

1. The Unsung Heroes Shape History

How many more Americans who changed the course of history are waiting to be discovered?

Beyond the Famous. History often focuses on well-known figures, but countless ordinary individuals have profoundly impacted the course of events. The book highlights the stories of people like Gouverneur Morris, Clara Brown, Virginia Randolph, and others, who made significant contributions but are often overlooked in traditional narratives.

Hidden Contributions. These unsung heroes often worked outside the spotlight, their impact felt in the lives of those they touched directly. Their stories reveal that greatness isn't always about fame or power, but about dedication, resilience, and a commitment to making a difference.

• Gouverneur Morris, the author of the Preamble to the Constitution, is largely forgotten.
• Clara Brown, a formerly enslaved woman, became a successful entrepreneur and philanthropist in the West.
• Virginia Randolph, a teacher, transformed education for Black children in the South.

Reclaiming the Narrative. By uncovering and sharing these hidden histories, we gain a more complete and nuanced understanding of the past. It challenges us to look beyond the dominant narratives and recognize the contributions of all people, regardless of their social status or fame.

2. Resilience in the Face of Injustice

My little sufferings was nothing, honey, and the Lord, He gave me strength to bear up under them. I can’t complain.

Overcoming Adversity. The individuals featured in the book faced immense challenges, including slavery, poverty, discrimination, and violence. Their stories demonstrate the power of resilience and the human capacity to endure even the most difficult circumstances.

Examples of resilience:

• Clara Brown, despite being sold away from her family, never gave up hope of finding her daughter.
• Virginia Randolph, despite facing racism and sexism, built a thriving educational community.
• Daniel Inouye, despite losing an arm in battle, went on to become a senator.

Inner Strength. These individuals drew strength from their faith, their communities, and their unwavering belief in the possibility of a better future. Their stories remind us that even in the face of injustice, we have the power to choose how we respond and to continue fighting for what is right.

3. Education as a Tool for Liberation

I believe this because after my appointment, I came to realize how very different my school and community were from others in Henrico County, Virginia…. When Mr. Jackson Davis appointed me to look after his Negro schools…he started a trend never to be abandoned; namely, the trend that there will always be someone caring and looking out for the education of Negro boys and girls.

Transformative Power. Education is presented as a powerful force for social change and personal empowerment. The book highlights the stories of educators like Virginia Randolph and Septima Clark, who used their skills and knowledge to uplift their communities.

Education as a means to:

• Overcome poverty and discrimination
• Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Empower individuals to become active citizens
• Create opportunities for future generations

Beyond the Classroom. The book also emphasizes the importance of education that extends beyond the traditional classroom, including community-based learning, adult literacy programs, and vocational training. Education is not just about acquiring knowledge, but about developing the skills and confidence to create a better world.

4. The Power of Words and Ideas

We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

Shaping the Nation. The book underscores the power of words and ideas to shape the course of history. The Preamble to the Constitution, written by Gouverneur Morris, is a testament to the enduring impact of carefully chosen words.

Words as a catalyst for change:

• Katharine Lee Bates's poem "America the Beautiful" captured the nation's ideals.
• Inez Milholland's speeches inspired women to fight for suffrage.
• The writings of Booker T. Washington and W.E.B. Du Bois sparked debate about racial equality.

The Importance of Communication. The book also highlights the importance of effective communication in building consensus and mobilizing people for change. From the eloquent speeches of civil rights leaders to the powerful messages of the Sears catalog, words have the power to persuade, inspire, and transform.

5. The Importance of Community and Connection

She took Christianity to mean for someone to be Christ-like if they were a Christian. And I joke with my students that there are people who go to the church, to the mosque, to the temple, and there are those that follow their religion. And those are not necessarily the same people.

Strength in Unity. The book emphasizes the importance of community and connection in overcoming adversity and achieving social change. The stories of Clara Brown, Virginia Randolph, and others demonstrate the power of collective action and mutual support.

Community as a source of:

• Strength and resilience
• Shared values and purpose
• Mutual aid and support
• Collective action for change

Building Bridges. The book also highlights the importance of building bridges across racial, ethnic, and social divides. The friendships between people like Norm Mineta and Alan Simpson, and the collaboration between Julius Rosenwald and Booker T. Washington, demonstrate the power of human connection to overcome prejudice and build a more just society.

6. Courage in the Face of Adversity

I was always in debt.

Taking Risks. The individuals featured in the book often took great risks in pursuit of their goals. From Clara Brown's journey to the West to Inez Milholland's fight for suffrage, their stories demonstrate the importance of courage in the face of adversity.

Examples of courage:

• Clara Brown, a formerly enslaved woman, traveled to the West to start a new life.
• Virginia Randolph, a young teacher, stood up to a hostile community.
• Daniel Inouye, despite losing an arm in battle, continued to serve his country.

Moral Conviction. These individuals were driven by a deep sense of moral conviction and a willingness to challenge the status quo. Their stories remind us that courage is not the absence of fear, but the willingness to act despite it.

7. The Enduring Quest for Equality

We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union…

A Continuous Struggle. The book underscores that the quest for equality is an ongoing process, not a destination. The stories of the civil rights movement, the fight for women's suffrage, and the struggle for racial justice demonstrate the need for constant vigilance and action.

The fight for equality includes:

• Challenging discriminatory laws and practices
• Advocating for equal rights and opportunities
• Building a more inclusive and just society
• Recognizing the contributions of all people

Progress and Setbacks. The book also acknowledges that progress is not always linear, and that setbacks and challenges are inevitable. However, the stories of these individuals demonstrate the importance of perseverance and the belief that a better future is possible.

8. The Power of Small Actions

Just do the next needed thing.

Everyday Acts of Resistance. The book highlights the power of small, everyday actions to create meaningful change. From Virginia Randolph's efforts to improve her school to Septima Clark's work to empower Black voters, these stories demonstrate that even seemingly small acts can have a profound impact.

Small actions can:

• Challenge injustice and discrimination
• Create opportunities for others
• Inspire hope and courage
• Build momentum for larger movements

The Importance of Consistency. The book also emphasizes the importance of consistency and persistence in achieving long-term goals. Small actions, when repeated over time, can create a powerful ripple effect that transforms individuals and communities.

9. Hope as an Orientation of the Spirit

The ideals outlined in the Constitution represent our national purpose, the raft we must cling to in the storm, the breath in our lungs, the beat in our chest: Just. Peaceful. Good. Free.

Choosing Hope. The book emphasizes that hope is not just a feeling, but a choice, an orientation of the spirit. Despite facing immense challenges and setbacks, the individuals featured in the book never gave up on the possibility of a better future.

Hope as a source of:

• Resilience and perseverance
• Courage and determination
• Inspiration and motivation
• A belief in the power of change

The Power of Vision. The book also highlights the importance of having a clear vision for the future and a commitment to working towards it. By focusing on the ideals of justice, peace, goodness, and freedom, we can create a more just and equitable world for all.

Last updated: February 3, 2025