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by Francene Mary Diane Hill (Author)
"GET IT. An accessible, valuable addition to the histories of Black businesswomen in America... an engaging book that often reads like a novel." - Kirkus Reviews
Discover the untold story of a trailblazer who built a kingdom for Black children in the heart of mid-century America.
Born in the segregated South, Kermit B. Hill defied every barrier of race and gender to become a pioneering entrepreneur and education innovator. Her journey took her from the high-stakes world of guarding wartime secrets at the Pentagon to the founding of the Tiny Tot Nursery School of St. Louis, Inc.-a culturally affirming early childhood program created decades before "representation" entered the national conversation.
In this "novelistic" and meticulously researched creative biography, her daughter, Francene Mary Diane Hill, breathes life into a massive family archive of over 80 intimate love letters, rare photographs, and preserved news clippings.
Inside this compelling narrative, you will discover:
- A Hidden Figure of History: How one woman balanced ambition, motherhood, and marriage while navigating the Great Migration and the Civil Rights movement.
- The "Royal" Legacy: The story behind the iconic King and Queen Coronations that instilled unshakable confidence in generations of African American preschoolers.
- A Masterclass in Entrepreneurship: How Kermit transitioned from a government career to building a staple of Black life in St. Louis that lasted for decades.
More than a biography, Tiny Tots in Tiaras and Tuxedos is a vibrant historical tapestry. It is a story of resilience and the quiet, enduring power of women who shaped the future of their communities from the ground up.
Perfect for readers of Hidden Figures, The Warmth of Other Suns, or Sheila Johnson's Walk Through Fire. Some legacies are too powerful to remain hidden. Discover the life and lasting impact of Kermit B. Hill today.
