Introducing Keisha N. Blain at Politics and Prose
- Sep 24, 2025
- 1 min read
Updated: Dec 5, 2025
On Saturday, September 20th, Washington Literacy Center CEO Jimmie Williams had the honor of introducing historian Keisha N. Blain, Ph.D., at Politics and Prose (Connecticut Avenue) for the launch of her new book, Without Fear: Black Women and the Making of Human Rights.
Dr. Blain’s work highlights generations of Black women, some well-known, such as Ida B. Wells, and many whose names are less familiar, whose words and actions advanced human dignity in the United States and around the world. WLC first connected with Dr. Blain at a reading we sponsored last year featuring voices from an anthology she edited, including politicos Donna Brazile, Atima Omara, and labor leader and former U.S. Senator Laphonza Butler.
In his remarks, Williams underscored WLC’s mission: for more than 60 years, the Washington Literacy Center has taught adults the reading and workforce skills that open doors to independence and opportunity for themselves and their families. As educator Mary McLeod Bethune reminded us, “The whole world opened to me when I learned to read.”
Without Fear resonates with WLC’s work today: removing barriers, expanding access, and equipping adults of all backgrounds to thrive at home, at work, and in their communities. We’re grateful to Dr. Blain and Politics and Prose for an evening celebrating the power of learning and the people who make change, often quietly, every day.
A special thank you to former WLC Board Chair Daniel Hayden and author Ibram X. Kendi (How To Be An Antiracist) for coming out to show their to support.
The discussion around Keisha N. Blain’s appearance at Politics and Prose really stands out because it centers on how Black women have historically shaped human rights movements in ways often overlooked in mainstream narratives. I once had to break down a similar academic lecture for a tight deadline and felt completely swamped trying to connect themes, authors, and historical context. In that rush, I ended up using do my dissertation for me just to organize the structure when everything felt too complex to synthesize alone. It made me realize how important it is to frame big ideas clearly before diving into analysis, otherwise even strong research loses direction.