30 extraordinary black women—including Michelle Obama, Soledad O’Brien, Shonda Rhimes and others—share their personal stories in this inspiring volume.

Whether in the White House or on the courts of Wimbledon, in Hollywood or on the stage of the Metropolitan Opera House, these trailblazing black women have influenced the social, cultural, and political landscape of this country, and even the world. Speaking in their unique voices, luminaries such as Patti LaBelle, Venus Williams, and Susan Taylor share the challenges they’ve faced and the victories they’ve won throughout their careers.

Contributors include Iman, Misty Copland, Whoopi Goldberg, Mary J. Blige, Gayle King, Judith Jameson, and others. These women pass their knowledge and lessons on to a new generation of women in intimate first-person essays and stunning color portraits.