Customer Reviews

5 out of 5 stars

A timely look back at the struggle for voter rights.

By Vince on July 1, 2018

A timely look back at the struggle for voter rights. Virginia fought against allowing all persons to vote however Evelyn Butts would not stop her fight for voting rights. This book has lessons for today, never take your right to vote for granted.

5 out of 5 stars

“Fearless” remains a remarkably compelling history of a pivotal period in American life. In Norfolk’s life.

By Frank D. Adams on June 25, 2018

Evelyn Thomas Butts, a Norfolk seamstress, successfully challenged the existing Virginia Poll Tax; through her tireless efforts – courage, determination, and a commitment – she, along with a very talented legal team, challenged the status-quo across Virginia. She led a movement toward civil justice which since has seen many leaders; however, Ms. Butts was a true pioneer; her actions made a strong case which ultimately was seen, and decided within the halls of the United States Supreme Court.

Ms. Ligon’s biography of her mother is “unquestionably kind. It’s also important.” This is an important documentary of a critical political period in Virginia political history with far-reaching effects affecting small and large communities across the United States. This is a must-read!

5 out of 5 stars
You have written an amazing historical account of your Mother’s journey
By Dave Fricke on June 6, 2018

I first met Chalene Butts Ligon several years ago after a Sarpy County Democrat Party meeting. As we were driving home my wife Lisa, told me about Charlene’s mom and a brief history of her involvement in the Civil Rights struggles of the 1950s and 1960s.

Several years later I attended a book-signing event where I purchased FEARLESS authored by Charlene. I read the entire book in 1 ½ days. Charlene’s narrative is an inspiring story of her mother, Evelyn T. Butts, a seamstress of modest means who successfully challenged the status quo of Jim Crow in Virginia during the 1950s and 1960s, culminating in a United States Supreme Court decision that dismantled the Poll Tax, a tax that overtly attempted to disenfranchise African American voters.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who seeks to understand the struggles endured by African Americans to ensure their right to pursue the American Dream and the right to Vote!

David Fricke, retired Social Studies teacher and Secondary Principal

5 out of 5 stars
A strong reminder of how we create effective change in the world
By Carol Blood on May 28, 2018
Format: Paperback

The frequently untold and definitely underreported story of Evelyn Butts and how her activism beat the poll tax. What makes the book such a great read is seeing all of the injustices that Butts identified and organized others to create effective change. She was a rarely mentioned woman in American History who has a story with lessons that still ring true today. It’s a strong reminder of why we must always be participants, if we ever want to have effective change. We can’t wait for others to fight our battles. We must meet them head on.

5 out of 5 stars
A timely story about voting rights.
By Peg on January 27, 2018
Format: Kindle Edition

This is a human interest story about an amazing woman–proving one person can make a lasting difference, a civil rights story and a history lesson not only about Virginia but the whole country.

It is particular fitting today as we see efforts to limit the voting rights through various states’ restrictive laws, reversing the efforts made by Mrs. Butts. We cannot forget the struggle. It is also the story of a mother whose life work has inspired her daughter who in her own right is an outspoken leader for justice.

5 out of 5 stars
This book is about how one person can truly make a difference.
By Dennis P. Crawford on December 21, 2017
Format: Hardcover

Evelyn Butts came from a very humble background but her courage, determination and sheer will changed a nation and changed her hometown of Norfok, Virginia. Butts was a political activist for decades in Norfolk fighting against segregation and for the rights of the poor and downtrodden. She was very successful in her efforts and left behind a better nation and community.

Butts was the plaintiff in the 1964 U.S. Supreme Court case that held that the poll tax was unconstitutional. In Norfolk, she led a political organization for decades that was very influential in electing candidates and improving the lives of African-Americans and the poor. Her story can serve as an inspiration to all of us during these troubled times.

I highly recommend this book to anybody who is interested in civil rights history and just looking for motivation and inspiration to try to make a difference in one’s community.