Publication Date: February 4, 2025
Devoted wife, White House maid, reluctant activist…
A stirring novel inspired by the life of an unsung heroine, and real-life crusader, Lizzie McDuffie, who as a maid in FDR’s White House spearheaded the Civil Rights movement of her time.
I’m just a college-educated Southerner with a passion for books. My husband says I’m too bold, too sharp, too unrelenting. Others say I helped spearhead the Civil Rights movement of our time. President Roosevelt says I’m too spunky and spirited for my own good.
Who am I?
I am Elizabeth “Lizzie” McDuffie.
And this is my story…
When Lizzie McDuffie, maid to Eleanor and Franklin D. Roosevelt, boldly proclaimed herself FDR’s “Secretary-On-Colored-People’s-Affairs,” she became more than just a maid—she became the President’s eyes and ears into the Black community. After joining the White House to work alongside her husband, FDR’s personal valet, Lizzie managed to become completely indispensable to the Roosevelt family. Never shy about pointing out injustices, she advocated for the needs and rights of her fellow African Americans when those in the White House blocked access to the President.
Following the life of Lizzie McDuffie throughout her time in the White House as she championed the rights of everyday Americans and provided access to the most powerful man in the country, Let Us March On looks at the unsung and courageous crusader who is finally getting the recognition she so richly deserves.
As the nation prepared for the rise of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, it was the African American family maid who made inroads toward racial equality.
Lizzie McDuffie, self-proclaimed Secretary on Colored People’s Affairs, ensures FDR keeps his eye on the nation’s pulse. Her life is captured in Let Us March On by Shara Moon.
Never one to seek the limelight, Lizzie recorded her story in written format. Her proximity to FDR yields interesting revelations about the president and the inner workings of his office.
With a fast-paced approach, the story highlights McDuffie’s efforts to convince her people to vote for progress.
Let Us March On starts the process for African American workers to communicate their thoughts and ideas to the highest office of the land.
Shara Moon is a first-generation Haitian American writer and amateur historian who enjoys exploring Black world history. She is a former college writing instructor with degrees from the University of Central Florida and the City College of New York. Let Us March On is her debut historical fiction novel.