Anita

The story unfolded in October 1991, riveting Americans to their televisions. Anita Hill, a beautiful, dignified African-American law professor, was testifying before a Senate committee of 14 white men about the sexual harassment she endured while working with U.S. Supreme Court nominee Clarence Thomas. Reluctantly thrust onto the world stage when she answered a subpoena to testify, Anita became a celebrated — and hated — figure whose graphic testimony was a turning point for gender equality in the U.S. The political firestorm that arose over sexual misconduct and power in the workplace still resonates today. The youngest of 13 children, Anita grew up on a farm in rural Oklahoma, yet received her degree from Yale Law School. In ANITA, she speaks candidly for the first time about her experience during the Senate hearings, as well as her life and work in the 20 years since. Anita Hill empowered millions of people to stand up for equality and justice; now it’s time we heard her story. – B.B.