I was an “ordinary” housewife, tending our home and newborn son. My husband, David, was a dentist in the Air Force, learning to salute. Our son lightened our lives, watching him take his fi rst steps, seeing him grow. Fast-forward ten years: a house of our own, fi ve children and two dogs. I felt my world shrinking even as it seemed to be expanding. I “ran away from home” to see what else was out there. Fair housing and civil rights movements were born…and I began to hatch.

THIS BOO...