Inspiration shares the personal stories and unique voices of 30 extraordinary black women. Whether in the White House or on the courts of Wimbledon, in Hollywood or on the stage of the Metropolitan Opera House, these women have influenced the social, cultural, and political landscape of this country, and even the world. Luminaries such as Patti LaBelle, Venus Williams, Susan Taylor, and Judith Jamison speak about the challenges they’ve faced and the victo­ries they’ve won throughout their careers. These inspiring black women pass their knowledge and lessons on to a new generation of women in intimate first-person essays and stunning color portraits.

Praise for Inspiration:
“Gorgeous.” —O, The Oprah Magazine 


“Crystal McCrary’s Inspiration features profiles of 30 dynamic Black women.” —Essence

"A great read for any and all aspiring female trailblazers." —The Root.com
 
“This month marks the arrival of Crystal McCrary's new book Inspiration, a collection of first-person essays by black women who are changing the world, one remarkable story at a time.” —GoodHousekeeping.com

"This month, McCrary's non-fiction coffee table book celebrates remarkable and accomplished African American women like Michelle Obama and Gayle King, plus many more. . . . A star-studded party at the International Center of Photography will launch it." —Avenue magazine

 

“Inspiration examines achievements by women—many you know and others you should—in a broad range of industries.” —Black Enterprise

Crystal McCrary is the co-creator of BET’s show Leading Women and the author of the novels Gotham Diaries and Homecourt Advantage. She is a frequent morning show commentator and sits on the advisory board of Jumpstart. She lives in New York City. Lauri Lyons is a faculty member at the International Center of Photography and the Rhode Island School of Design. She has pho­tographed for the Source, Essence, and Fortune, among other magazines. In 2006 she became the first black female photographer to sign with Getty Images. She lives in New York City.