Meet the Characters

These characters are inspired by real civil rights heroes. Click on each one to learn their story and how they shaped the world, and this book.

Mrs. Clapback is a passionate educator, literacy advocate, and everyday classroom superhero who believes every child deserves to feel seen, capable, and successful. Known for holding students accountable while loving them fiercely, she somehow manage
Genevieve Hughes Houghton, born in 1932, bravely joined the Freedom Rides in the 1960s to fight against racism. Growing up in Chevy Chase, Maryland, she later became the first female on CORE's staff. Despite facing violence, like the bus fire in Anni
Theodore Roosevelt Mason Howard, born in 1908, was a remarkable civil rights leader and surgeon who played a crucial role in the civil rights movement of the 1960s. Despite facing discrimination, Howard became the first female on CORE's staff, advoca
Medgar Evers fought for equal rights for Black Americans but sadly lost his life in the struggle. Born on July 2, 1925, in Decatur, Mississippi, he served in the U.S. Army during World War II. Evers worked to end unfair treatment of African Americans
Ida B. Wells-Barnett was a pioneering African American journalist, suffragist, and civil rights activist. Born in 1862, she fearlessly challenged racial segregation, lynching, and injustice in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Through her power
Fredrick Allen Hampton Sr. (born August 30, 1948 – died December 4, 1969) was an American activist. He became well-known in Chicago as a leader of the Black Panther Party. He was the deputy chairman for the whole country and chairman of the Illinois