Preserving Family History.
Sharing the Journey to the Vote.
Stories of courage, freedom, and legacy from Reconstruction to today.
Smallwood Charlotte Press
Our Books
The powerful true story of Evelyn Butts, a Virginia seamstress who challenged Jim Crow laws and helped end the poll tax in America.
A true story of courage and legacy, following Smallwood “Small” Ackiss from slavery to freedom and the right to vote during Reconstruction.
Based on a true family story, Small’s Big Journey includes historical notes that connect young readers to the real lives of Smallwood Ackiss and Evelyn Butts.
- Format: Paperback / Hardcover
- Page count: 40 pages
- Trim size: 8.5″ x 8.5″
- Reading age: Ages 7–10
- Language: English
- ISBN 978-0-9993836-3-6 — Paperback
- ISBN 978-0-9993836-5-0 — Hardcover
- Publisher: Smallwood Charlotte Press
- Release date May 1, 2026-Paperback
- Release date May 14, 2026-Hardcover
- Print type: Full color
- Binding: Matte cover
- Illustrations: Fully illustrated
About the Author
Hello, I’m Charlene Butts Ligon.
I write to preserve and share true stories from my family’s history, connecting the Civil War, Reconstruction, and the fight for voting rights across generations.
My work is inspired by ancestors such as Smallwood “Small” Ackiss and Evelyn Butts, whose lives reflect the long journey toward freedom and equality.
My goal is to ensure these stories are remembered and passed on to future generations.