Name: Norah O’Donnell in conversation with Cynthia Neal Spence | We the Women
Start: 2026-03-03T18:30:00-05:00
Location: Atlanta History Center

$Norah O\u2019Donnell in conversation with Cynthia Neal Spence | We the Women$

A vivid portrait of the unsung American women from 1776 to today who changed the course of history in their fight for freedom and helped shape a more perfect union.
The Atlanta History Center and A Cappella Books proudly welcome CBS News’ Senior Correspondent Norah O’Donnell in honor of her new book, “We the Women: The Hidden Heroes Who Shaped America.” O’Donnell will appear in conversation with Associate Professor of Sociology at Spelman College and the Director of the UNCF/Mellon Programs, Dr. Cynthia Neal Spence.
All tickets include a signed copy of the book.
Additional copies of the book will be available for purchase from A Cappella Books at the venue.
About the Book
Over a decades-long, distinguished career, award-winning journalist Norah O’Donnell has made it her mission to shed light on untold women’s stories. Now, in honor of America’s 250th birthday, O’Donnell focuses that passion on sharing the stories of American heroines who helped change the course of history.
“We the Women” presents a new and extraordinary retelling of American history through the eyes of women, introducing us to inspiring patriots who demanded that the country live up to the promises made 250 years ago in the Declaration of Independence: that “all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among those are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” The pressing question from women since the signing of the document has been: Why don’t those unalienable rights apply to us?
Through extensive research and interviews, as well as old photos and historic documents, O’Donnell curates a compelling portrait of these fierce fighters for freedom. From Mary Katharine Goddard, who printed the first signed Declaration of Independence, to the Forten family women, considered the “Black Founders” of Philadelphia who were active in the abolition and suffrage movements, to the first women who served in the Armed Forces even before they had the right to vote, O’Donnell brings these extraordinary women together for the first time, and in doing so, writes the American story anew.
About the Author
Norah O'Donnell is a multiple Emmy Award-winning journalist with nearly three decades of experience covering the biggest stories in the world and conducting impactful, news-making interviews. She is CBS News’ Senior Correspondent, focused on big interviews and projects for the network, and spent five years as the anchor and managing editor of the “CBS Evening News,” the oldest and most revered evening news broadcast in America. O’Donnell anchors CBS News Election Specials and is a “60 Minutes” contributing correspondent. She is married to the bacon-loving Geoff Tracy, otherwise known as Chef Geoff, and is the mother of three children.
About the Conversation Partner
Dr. Cynthia Neal Spence is an Associate Professor of Sociology at Spelman College and the Director of the UNCF/Mellon Programs. Her interests in higher education, racial and gender equity, and diversity shape her research, writing, community service, and public speaking. As Director of the UNCF/Mellon Programs, Dr. Spence develops, manages, and oversees various programs aimed at faculty development and career advancement for UNCF (United Negro College Fund) students and faculty.