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Books in African American Achievers series

  • The History of Mary Prince: A West Indian Slave Narrative

    Mary Prince

    Paperback (Dover Publications, Oct. 15, 2004)
    Born in Bermuda to a house slave in 1788, Mary Prince suffered the first of many soul-shattering experiences in her life when she was separated from her parents and siblings at the age of twelve. Subjected to bodily and sexual abuse by subsequent masters, she was bought and sold several times before she was ultimately freed.The first black woman to break the bonds of slavery in the British colonies and publish a record of her experiences, Prince vividly recalls her life in the West Indies, her rebellion against physical and psychological degradation, and her eventual escape in 1828 in England. Her straightforward, often poetic account of immense anguish, separation from her husband, and struggle for freedom inflamed public opinion during a period when stormy debates on abolition were common in both the United States and England.This edition also includes a substantial supplement by Thomas Pringle, the original editor, as well as another brief slave account: “The Narrative of Asa-Asa, a Captured African.”Essential reading for students of African-American studies, Mary Prince’s classic account of determination and endurance aids in filling the many gaps in black women’s history.
  • Black Filmmakers

    Gina De Angelis, Cookie Lommel

    Library Binding (Chelsea House Pub (Library), Dec. 1, 2001)
    Looks at African American involvement in the motion picture industry and offers profiles of prominent black producers and directors.
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  • Voices from Slavery: 100 Authentic Slave Narratives

    Norman R. Yetman

    Paperback (Dover Publications, May 27, 1999)
    In the late 1930s, the Federal Writers' Project of the Works Progress Administration embarked upon a project to interview 100 former American slaves. The result of that unique undertaking is this collection of authentic firsthand accounts documenting the lives of men and women once held in bondage in the antebellum South.In candid, often blunt narratives, elderly former slaves recall what it was like to wake before sunrise and work until dark, enduring whippings, branding, and separations from one’s spouse and children, suffer the horrors of slave auctions and countless other indignities, and finally to witness the arrival of Northern troops and experience the first days of ambiguous freedom.Included here are vivid descriptions of good masters and bad ones and treatment that ran the gamut from indulgent and benevolent supervision to the harshest exploitation and cruelty. These and many other unforgettable — sometimes unspeakable — aspects of slave life are recalled in simple, often poignant language that brings home with dramatic impact the true nature of slavery. Accompanied by 32 starkly compelling photographs, the text includes a new preface and additional essay by Norman R. Yetman, a specialist in American studies.A valuable resource for students and scholars of African-American history, this thoroughly engrossing book will be of great interest as well to general readers.
  • Harriet Tubman: The Moses of Her People

    Sarah Bradford

    Paperback (Dover Publications, Nov. 29, 2004)
    This simple, unvarnished account recalls the courageous life of Harriet Tubman, one of the best-known “conductors” on the Underground Railroad. First published in 1869 and privately printed to raise funds for “the Moses of her people,” Sarah Bradford’s memorable biography recalls the former slave’s grim childhood; her perilous experiences leading slaves into Canada; her efforts as a Civil War nurse, cook, and scout for the Union Army; and her post-conflict endeavors to aid and educate former slaves.An inspiring story of bravery, perseverance, and self-sacrifice, this accurate, reliable account by Tubman’s contemporary is essential reading for students of American history and African-American studies.
  • The Life and Times of Frederick Douglass

    Frederick Douglass

    Paperback (Dover Publications, Dec. 19, 2003)
    Born around 1817 in Maryland, Frederick Douglass was a former plantation slave who went on to become a brilliant writer and eloquent orator. In this amazing first-hand narrative, published in 1881, he vividly recounts his early years, which were filled with physical abuse, deprivation, and tragedy; his dramatic escapes to the North, recapture, and eventual freedom; his work for the Anti-Slavery Society and influential role in speaking for other African-Americans; his abolitionist campaigns, and crusade for full civil rights for former slaves.
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  • The Negro Leagues

    James A. Riley

    Paperback (Chelsea House Pub, Aug. 1, 1996)
    Provides a history of the Negro leagues and the role they played in integrating baseball
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  • Black Cowboys

    Gina De Angelis

    Library Binding (Chelsea House Pub, Sept. 1, 1997)
    An account of the adventurous African Americans whose exploits contributed to the legends of the Wild West
  • The Black Cowboys

    Gina De Angelis

    Paperback (Chelsea House Pub, July 1, 1997)
    An account of the adventurous African Americans whose exploits contributed to the legends of the Wild West
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  • The History of the Black Church

    Norma Jean Lutz

    Paperback (Chelsea House Pub, June 1, 2001)
    Tracing its roots back to the days of slavery, an addition to a popular series offers a sweeping look at the development of this important institution, examining the prominent leaders, events like the Azuza Revival, the role of music, and more. Simultaneous.
  • The Harlem Renaissance

    Veronica Chambers

    Library Binding (Chelsea House Pub, Sept. 1, 1997)
    Recounts the vibrant personalities and remarkable cultural movements that flourished in America's leading Black community during the 1920s and 1930s
  • The History of the Black Church

    Norma Jean Lutz

    Library Binding (Chelsea House Pub, May 1, 2001)
    Tracing its roots back to the days of slavery, an addition to a popular series offers a sweeping look at the development of this important institution, examining the prominent leaders, events like the Azuza Revival, the role of music, and more. Simultaneous.
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  • The History of Rap Music

    Cookie Lommel

    Library Binding (Chelsea House Pub, March 1, 2001)
    Top artists and producers from this unique form of music are examined to offer readers a better understanding of the music's roots and its acceptance into today's mainstream culture. Simultaneous.
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