Includes bibliographical references (p. 289-306) and index.

Introduction: There is a Balm in Gilead -- Childhood -- In Thea's own words : life in Canton -- Ancestral history of hope -- The parents : Mary and Theon in love -- Young Bertha -- School days in Canton -- Thea in La Crosse -- Following St. Trancis to Wisconsin -- Stepping up -- Laid up -- Becoming Sister Thea -- Civil rights from afar -- Home again -- Thea in Washington, D.C. -- Sister Thea goes to Washington -- An emerging awareness -- Thea at Viterbo -- To Europe -- The most powerful woman on campus -- Back to Canton -- Sister to the world -- Beyond Mississippi -- Let freedom ring -- An empowering mission -- Families, Black and Catholic -- To mother Africa -- Lead me, guide me -- We shall overcome today -- Let me live until I die? -- Songs of my people -- A newfound freedom -- Unforgettable Thea -- Going home -- Winning the game for everybody.