Grace and the Flag

Book excerpt: Grace and the Flag tells a bit about the story of Grace Wisher, a 13-year-old African American indentured servant in the early 1800s who made a little-known, but significant contribution to American history during a time of rampant discrimination and injustice. Indeed, Grace made a very significant contribution to the creation of the American flag-the very flag that inspired the American National Anthem. Especially during these modern times of social upheaval, when women's rights, racial injustice, and equality of all people are challenged by events happening in the United States, it is important to acknowledge the contributions of people like Grace Wisher to give her voice, and inspire every little girl and every child-especially minority children-of their potential to make a positive impact on one of the greatest nations on Earth. After all, as the Dalai Lama once said, "if you think you're too small to make a difference, try sleeping with a mosquito in the room."