Were You There? travels through the life of Emma Wakefield-Paillet as she breaks away from the oppression of the post-Civil War southern life to successfully become the first African American woman to receive a medical degree in the state of Louisiana. As she grows up in New Iberia, Louisiana, her father rises in the political opportunities of Reconstruction. Unfortunately, Emma's family is met with tragedy after tragedy. She faces each challenge with courage and perseverance. Her story is compelling. Written in both nonfiction prose, supported by the research of Phebe Hayes, and poems in Emma's voice by Margaret Simon, this biography presents a history that is often left in the shadows.

"Were you there when we finally broke the chains? when our hollow cries were heard?" This biography will take you there.