The paperback edition of one of the most popular black self-help titles ever written. Thompkins cuts effectively through the myths surrounding the role of black women in modern society, returning power to wives, mothers and daughters fighting expectation. Black women are increasingly pressured by their own positive stereotype. Strong women who have been accorded the role of warrior, mother, childbearer and provider are being pushed into a place where empowered expectation has become obstructive. Thompkins explores the triumphs, struggles and lessons necessary to transcend the stereotypes and overcome the consequences of being a strong black woman. Despite the almost universal respect afforded to the strong black woman ideal, it can be more limiting than empowering. Too often, black women feel compelled to become "chronic caregivers", sacrificing their ability to become truly fulfilled individuals at great emotional, psychological and physical cost. Using over 20 years experience working with major companies on leadership and success management, Thompkins leads the black woman back onto the road to triumphant emotional well being.