Tough Mind, Tender Heart

In “Tough Mind, Tender Heart: Reflections on a Black Woman’s Activist Journey,” Sandra Barnhill shares her four-decade journey as a frontline activist, offering a candid and personal reflection on the challenges and rewards of working for social change. This book is not a blueprint but a testament to the resilience required to fight for justice, especially in the “deep end,” where victories are few and struggles are many. Barnhill, a Black woman in a predominantly white, male-dominated sector, details the discrimination she faced and the strategies she used to overcome it while building and sustaining a nonprofit organization rooted in Afrocentric, womanist, and community-focused principles. She challenges the myths about activism, emphasizing the importance of transparency, honesty, and a commitment to long-term change. The book encourages readers to engage in activism at any level, whether full-time or part-time and highlights the urgent need for diverse voices in the fight for justice. As Barnhill reflects on the current political landscape and the stakes of the 2024 presidential election, she calls on readers to take action, offering hope and inspiration for those who want to make a difference.