Song for My Father - by Stephanie Stokes Oliver (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Song for My Father is a daughter's memoir of her father, Charles M. Stokes, a prominent African-American member of the National Republican Party. Known as "Stokey," he was born just forty years after the abolition of slavery. But by the time he became a pioneer in the fields of law, legislation, and politics -- during the turbulent and transformative 1960s and 70s -- contemporary associations of the GOP with the "party of Lincoln" had faded. Stokes's choice to remain a Republican against the tide of black Democratic political loyalty took courage. He would live to become Seattle's first black state legislator and serve as Washington State's first African-American district court judge.
With Song for My Father, Ms. Stokes pays tribute to a man whose love for his country, his family, and his people made a world of difference for generations to come. Stokes's life is a compelling example of what American Dreams are made of.

Review Quotes

"[A] touching tribute to...the late Charles M. Stokes, a proud Republican and Seattle's first African-American state legislator."
-- Essence

"[A]n amazing piece of history."
-- Janis F. Kearney, presidential diarist to Bill Clinton

"[Charles M. Stokes's] life is a testament to the American-ness of us all."
-- Benilde Little, author of Acting Out

"Sheds new light on the historical role of blacks within the Republican Party and offers readers a glimpse of the world of a man who forged his own path and encouraged his children to do the same."
-- Town & Country