A Tough Mind & Tender Heart

04/22/2026

Join Sandra Barnhill tomorrow for her keynote address at Kalamazoo College! She’ll be joined by Cultural Curator LJ Onthebill

Sandra Barnhill's keynote will be tomorrow, Thursday, April 23, at 4:15 pm in Dewing 103 on Kalamazoo College's campus. You can learn more about Sandra's activism work here: https://shorturl.at/blmuC

We hope you'll join us! RSVP here: https://forms.gle/VeM3HAE74JKD3TV28


Kalamazoo College Mary Jane Underwood Stryker Center for Civic Engagement
Kalamazoo College

04/18/2026

Join Sandra Barnhill TODAY for a community conversation and book signing at the Black Arts & Cultural Center

Sandra will be joined by Cultural Curator LJ Onthebill.

Co-hosted by Kalamazoo College Mary Jane Underwood Stryker Center for Civic Engagement and Kalamazoo College Arcus Center for Social Justice Leadership

WHEN: April 18, 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
WHERE: Black Arts & Cultural Center: 359 S Kalamazoo Mall Ste. 102, Kalamazoo, MI
WHAT: A community-centered conversation on leadership, equity, and connection, followed by a book signing of Tough Mind, Tender Heart

Activist, author and attorney Sandra Barnhill will return to Kalamazoo this month for a series of events, including two open to the public.

02/20/2026

We pause to honor the life and legacy of Rev. Jesse Jackson, whose witness and leadership helped give voice to those too often unheard and expanded the moral and democratic horizon of our nation.
​
Sandra Barnhill had the privilege of serving on Rev. Jackson’s 1988 presidential campaign in Georgia, chairing the Issues Committee and working on his advance team. Listening to communities across the state and helping carry their truths forward grounded her lifelong commitment to grassroots organizing and justice-centered leadership.

His life stands as a reminder of the sacred charge entrusted to each of us: to listen deeply, to serve faithfully, and to help bend the arc toward justice.

“KEEP HOPE ALIVE.”
REV. JESSE JACKSON

09/16/2025

We want to hear from YOU! ✨

Are you a young leader or activist working to shape change in your community, or hoping to do so? Share your voice through our survey!

Your input will help guide intergenerational conversations leading up to our October 4th event, Bridging Generations, Building Justice, inspired by Sandra Barnhill’s book Tough Mind, Tender Heart.

This initiative, created by lifelong activist Sandra Barnhill and rising leader Alexia Smith, puts young voices at the center while honoring the wisdom of experienced organizers. Together, they’re working to build stronger, fairer communities where every voice matters. 💬🌍

👉 Take the survey today - https://forms.gle/JCRu3bNSST6yFzi68

09/12/2025

✨Bridging Generations, Building Justice is about bringing people together across generations to spark change. Created by Sandra Barnhill, a lifelong activist, and Alexia Smith, a rising young leader, this initiative puts young voices at the center while honoring the wisdom of experienced organizers. Together, Sandra and Alexia are working to build stronger, fairer communities where everyone, especially those too often left out, has a voice in shaping our future.

Join us on October 4th for our Bridging Generations, Building Justice event!

🗓 October 4 | 10 AM – 2 PM
📍 Centennial Tower, Atlanta, GA

What to Expect:
🌱 Intergenerational conversations inspired by Tough Mind, Tender Heart
🙌 Workshops led by youth leaders + seasoned activists
🤝 Networking and community-building across generations
📚 Author Talk & Book Signing with Sandra Barnhill

Come ready to connect, learn, and build community across generations.

🔗 Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/tough-mind-tender-heart-bridging-generations-building-justice-tickets-1640715737939

05/14/2025

Reminder! Sandra Barnhill will be sharing reflections from her new book, Tough Mind, Tender Heart: Reflections on a Black Woman’s Activist Journey. Join us!

🗓 Monday, May 19, 2025
🕜 1:30–3:00 PM
📍 Nia Building Amphitheater at Pittsburgh Yards

✨ The first 40 guests to sign in will receive a free copy of the book! Book signing to follow the talk.

📬 Register today - linktr.ee/sandrabarnhill1

05/05/2025

📚 Join us for an unforgettable afternoon with Sandra Barnhill, as she shares powerful reflections from her new book, Tough Mind, Tender Heart: Reflections on a Black Woman’s Activist Journey.

🗓 Monday, May 19, 2025
🕜 1:30–3:00 PM
📍 Nia Building Amphitheater at Pittsburgh Yards

Sandra’s story spans four decades of frontline activism - it is a deeply moving testament to the courage and heart it takes to fight for justice, especially when the victories are hard-won.

✨ The first 40 guests to sign in will receive a free copy of the book! Book signing to follow the talk.

📬 Register today - linktr.ee/sandrabarnhill1

04/11/2025

✨ Reader Spotlight ✨

We’d like to share a review of Tough Mind Tender Heart from Ulester Douglas, Social Justice Activist & Psychotherapist:

“The reader will be encouraged indeed by Barnhill’s authenticity, which is vividly exemplified by her willingness to be vulnerable. Not as easy undertaking for a Black woman in a world where such a strength is often framed as a deficit and met with hostility and violence. Despite this risk, Barnhill sagaciously dedicates the early chapters of the book to sharing her roots and telling personal stories that illuminate the non-linear and often-turbulent landscape of activism.

Barnhill wisely does not leave the reader to ponder alone the solutions to the challenges she identified. In chapter 9 for example, she offers guidance grounded in what she refers to as ‘centered activism.’ She unpacks this concept and offers insightful and practical steps to knowing and engaging from one’s authentic self. She explains that ‘centered activism’ is not only about external actions it is equally about internal growth and alignment. Understanding oneself is foundational – a prerequisite to genuine and effective engagement in the world.” When I first read this, the therapist part of me said out loud ‘Amen!’ That’s because I seldom hear self-awareness acknowledged as essential to effective activism....
If you have not purchased and read this book yet, I strongly encourage you to do so. I have known and worked with Ms. Barnhill in the movement to end violence against women for more than two decades; and what you will get when you read it, is what I have witnessed in her firsthand: A rare combination of authenticity, brilliance, and wisdom, accentuated by a tough mind and tender heart.”

💬 Have you read Tough Mind Tender Heart yet? We’d love to hear your thoughts!

Visit www.toughmindtenderheart.com
to read the full review and grab your copy of the book today!

03/14/2025

We are thrilled to share that Sandra Barnhill has been selected as one of Georgia’s 100 Women of Excellence and will be honored at Women’s Day at the Capitol today! 🎉👏

Her unwavering leadership, dedication, and impact have shaped communities and inspired generations. This well-deserved recognition is a testament to her tireless efforts in driving change and uplifting others.

Join us in celebrating Sandra and all the phenomenal women being honored! 💜