New book chronicles the legacy of Nannie Helen Burroughs who fought for the upward career mobility of Black women

Rutgers University associate professor Dr. Danielle Phillips-Cunningham is the author of the new book, “Nannie Helen Burroughs: A Tower of Strength in the Labor World.” (Rutgers University/Iñaki del Olmo)

Nannie Helen Burroughs was an educator, suffragist, and Black labor activist. Her work foreshadowed the civil rights movement. Among her many achievements, in the early twentieth century, Burroughs founded the National Training School for Women and the National Association of Wage Earners.

The new book “Nannie Helen Burroughs: A Tower of Strength in the Labor World,” focuses on her life story and legacy. Author Dr. Danielle Phillips-Cunningham is an associate professor of labor studies and employment relations at Rutgers University.

On Tuesday’s edition of “Closer Look,” Phillips-Cunningham discussed her book and Burroughs’ fight for the education and upward career mobility of Black women.

Phillips-Cunningham will speak about her book on Wednesday, March 26, at Spelman College.