Activist: Portraits of Courage

(Hardback)

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Description

A speech on the radio.
A high school literature class.
A promise made to a mother.

Activism begins in small ways and in unexpected places. In this inspiring book, over forty activists recount the experiences that sparked their journeys and share the beliefs that keep them going. These are ordinary citizens who met challenge with action. Their visions for peace, equality, and justice have reshaped American society from voting to reproductive rights, and from the environment to the economy. This book brings together multiple generations and different (sometimes opposite) perspectives. But their powerful narratives and KK Ottesen's luminous photographs reveal the passion, purpose, and optimism that unite these diverse figures. Collectively, their stories remind us that anyone can take the future into their own hands.

Reviews

"Illustrated with remarkable new photographs, and full of pearls of wisdom and advice, Activist is a work of much-needed guidance and hope." --Flavorwire
"KK Ottesen's Activist: Portraits of Courage has more than three dozen stories of fighters like Ralph Nader, Edward Snowden, and Angela Davis. They talk movingly about the first time they stood up, spoke out, and took sides" --New York Daily News
"Ottesen's powerful photographs immediately draw readers in, adding to the intimacy of these highly readable first-person interviews." --BookPage

Author Bio

KK Ottesen is an author and photographer who shares the stories of peoples' lives through first-person narrative interviews and photographic portraits. Through her work, she seeks to break down barriers and stereotypes and allow for the discovery and celebration of common ground. Ottesen is a regular contributor to the Washington Post Magazine where her interviews and photographs have appeared for more than a decade; other credits include Esquire, Ms.com, and Washingtonian. Her previous book, Great Americans, explored what it means to be an American through interviews and photographs with everyday individuals who share names with some of the country's most famous and infamous icons. She lives in Washington, DC with her family. More of her work can be found at www.kkottesen.com or @kkottesen on social media.