The brave pioneers who made a life on the frontier were not only male - and not only white. African American Women of the Old West profiles ten incredible women overlooked in most history books - including Buddy Mason, a slave who fought for her family's freedom, Elizabeth thorn Scoot Flood, a teacher determined to educate black children and aid them in leading better lives and the mysterious Mary Ellen Pleasant, a civil rights crusader and savvy businesswoman. Even in the face of racial prejudice, these unsung heroes never gave up hope for a brighter future.